Lake Orion man runs marathon for great cause that saved his wife's life Orion Samuelson, American broadcaster Country: United States Birthday: March 31, 1934 Age : 89 years old Birth Sign : Aries About Biography Orion Samuelson is an American broadcaster most widely known for hosting U. S. Farm Report. Farm Progress is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC. This would turn out to be his trademark generosity, as he mentored dozens of young broadcasters and interns over the coming decades. Orion Samuelson started his career at WGN Radio in September 1960, when the presidential election involved Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. She began her career with Prairie Farmer just before graduating from the University of Illinois in agricultural communications. As a farm boy on a milk stool on a cold January morning in a barn in Wisconsin, I could have never dreamed I would have the opportunity to do what Ive done and meet the people Ive met.. "So many memories," he said, "and theyll be with me as long as Im around.". He was cut from the same cloth as Paul Harvey. And I cant write. PDF Interview with Orion Samuelson AIS-V-L-2009-002 The Radio Hall of Famer had said he hoped to be back on WGN in time to celebrate his 55th anniversary with the station September 25. (And dont you wonder about the kid who beat him? announced his diagnosis and that he'd been battling the disease for 19 months, Wojo:Jamie Samuelsen brought out all the goodness, in radio and in life, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. I didnt know what cattle dairy and beef were.. The University of Illinois presented Samuelson with the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters. Reliable and true., And quotable. If someone brought Orion fresh sweet corn or asparagus, he shared it with the engineers. "They werent teaching me to be a broadcaster, they were teaching me to be a writer. Her quick thinking and determination got him into surgery and saved his life and his voice. He was the voice on the radio but part of the farm family. He gave an emotional update last Monday on the air, saying he wasn't saying his goodbyes, but colleagues feared otherwise. On the lighter side, Samuelson and a studio group dubbed the "Uff da Band" once recorded covers of Yogi Yorgesson's novelty songs I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas and Yingle Bells. We dont quote the frozen pork belly market any more, but my quick answer to that question is, if you had a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich today, you had a frozen pork belly, Samuelson said. Holly frequently speaks to a variety of groups and organizations, sharing the heart, soul and science of agriculture. National Association of Farm Broadcasting ("NAFB"), "The Morning Show with Orion and Max | WGN Radio - 720 AM", "National President Election Profile: Max Armstrong", "Armstrong Earns Plaque On The WGN Radio Walk Of Fame", "Seven honorees named to WGN Radio Walk of Fame", "Max Armstrong's Tractor App Now Available", "Max Armstrong // Purdue College of Liberal Arts", "Max Armstrong Named Honorary Master Farmer", Chicago Radio Spotlight interview with Max Armstrong, Max Armstrong's Tractor App in the Daily Herald, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Max_Armstrong&oldid=1122875638, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Norma In addition, the farm broadcaster also met several stars including Sophia Loren, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Samuelsen also made regular appearances on Fox 2 and wrote periodically for the Detroit Free Press. I tend to wait until tomorrow, but she said, Look at this now, because we dont wait, Orion recalls. Orion Samuelson was just 27 years old when he made his way up North Michigan Avenue, striding toward the Tribune Tower. Hell retire from WGN Radio at the end of this month, recording a landmark 60 years on WGN and creating original television programs such as U.S. Over the past six decades, Samuelson said, he has worked with some of the greatest broadcast people, including Wally Phillips, Bob Collins and Spike ODell. Please help me find a news bloopers with Orion Samuelson. Hes originated broadcasts from all 50 states and 44 countries. Orion Samuelson (/rin/ OR-ee-n; born March 31, 1934) is a retired American broadcaster, known for his agriculture broadcasts and his ability to explain agribusiness and food production in an understandable way. But mainly, hes told agricultures story from downtown Chicago, where he became a media icon and a beloved hall of fame broadcaster. Later, Orion would earn an honorary doctor of letters from the U of I. "He loved a wicked joke, a good game & a strong gimlet. In May 1960, one of Mr. Samuelson's first assignments for WGN was to emcee the National Barn Dance, a long running program that WGN had just acquired when WLS radio discontinued its association with Prairie Farmer magazine. In fact, it might be what they like about him best. Orion Samuelson is a 89 years old American broadcaster from . His final broadcast on WGN was the noon business report on December 31, 2020.[16][3]. Sirott: Why have agriculture news and farm reports survived on WGN Radio in Chicago here long after that kind of broadcasting ended on other stations? Samuelson was born on a dairy farm in Ontario, Wisconsin, near LaCrosse. [13], On November 1, 2012, Samuelson published his autobiography "You Cant Dream Big Enough" was published by Bantry Bay Media. Orion Samuelson Day is March 31st - LinkedIn What's behind shortages of Adderall, other meds? From 1975 to 2005, Samuelson was the host of U.S. Farm Report, a weekly television news magazine dedicated to agriculture. Memorials may be made to Heartland. That was the ticket. When I started, Orion was so highly regarded by everyone at WGN. He spoke with the president of the United States just as easily as he spoke with a Chinese farmer in a rice paddy or with the kid whod just won champion steer at the state fair. Samuelson: And I did! He wouldnt walk again for two years. He hopes to give the Illinois State Fair Sale of Champions another go in 2021 working hard to create some magic in the Coliseum for young livestock exhibitors. Max Armstrong was named an Honorary Master Farmer in 2018 by Prairie Farmer Magazine. During his over 60 years as a farm broadcaster,. His grandparents were Norwegian immigrants, and the first time Orion made his way to Norway, the spot his grandparents chose to homestead made more sense: steep hills with buildings carved into them. [5], In 2001, Armstrong was named Farm Broadcaster of the Year by the NAFB. And today theyre the biggest producer and the biggest exporter of soybeans. Orion got plenty of practice thinking on his feet, as WGN took the show on the road for 40 to 50 remote broadcasts a year to county fairs, the Illinois State Fair, the Farm Progress Show and more. I start speeches generally by saying, who would have thought that a cow milker from Wisconsin would meet nine presidents and any number of secretaries of agriculture and would write a book and would be a broadcaster for all of these years? They serve with their local 4-H and FFA programs, their school district, and are active in their church's youth and music ministries. Orion C Samuelson, 89 - Huntley, IL - Reputation & Contact Details He listened to the veterans around him, picking out the good things they did that people liked. Televised "Hometown Heroes" featuring Orion Samuelson to air on NewsNation on Dec. 18. ), I dont know what happened to the guy who came in first, Orion says, laughing. in 2005. When they went on remote broadcasts, he included them in dinners. I saw agriculture through the eyes of my TV cameraman and I had the opportunity to shake hands with people like Fidel Castro and Mikhail Gorbachev, Samuelson said. The feeling is mutual. Before the program was over, hed scored a job at WKLJ in Sparta, Wis., less than 20 miles from the home farm. Having trouble filling a prescription? I dont ever remember working on a style, he says, but I never took my voice for granted. "So I think Ill find things to do.". Garth. "We will celebrate his life, but are taking time to figure out the best way. And he championed the farmers cause. He met McDonald when she worked at Fox 2 and was producing for Bill Bonds, and the couple had three children,Caroline, 16, Josh, 14, and Catherine, 11. Indeed, entire generations have grown up on the farm conditioned to shush around the table or in the truck or across the milking parlor when Orions voice came on the radio. [1] He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2003. At Purdue University, Armstrong received honors as an "Old Master" in 2005 and was recognized as a "Noted Alumnus" in the 2009 'Facts at Your Fingertips.' She would never subscribe. Legendary agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson on 60 years Number 8860726. 2023 www.detroitnews.com. Holly and her husband, John, farm in western Illinois where they raise corn, soybeans and beef cattle on 2,500 acres. If you dont listen to your interview guests response, you wont be able to respond with something that is knowledgeable.. Samuelson is a 2003 National Radio Hall of Fame inductee. Thank you . He also serves on the Farm Foundation Bennett Round Table, and is a former member of the board of the Agriculture Future of America, the Board of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, the board of directors of the Foods Resource Bank, a former trustee of the Cornerstone Foundation of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and a former member of the board of trustees of the National 4-H Council. It took me about two weeks to decide to accept the WGN job and it scares me to think it took that long to join a station like WGN, said Samuelson, who retired from WGN on Dec. 31. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. And so even-tempered. [1], Armstrong's first job out of college was for the Illinois Farm Bureau as a Broadcast Editor, which was where he met Orion Samuelson. He is best known for his association with WGN Radio in Chicago, serving as the station's head agriculture broadcaster since 1960. Orion tuned in for Bert Wilson calling Cubs games, and he listened to the National Barn Dance every Saturday night on WLS what was then the Prairie Farmer station to hear stars like Gene Autry. He transcends generations, says Cerro Gordo, Ill., farmer Jared Gregg. And yes, those programs often started and ended with an Ole and Lena joke. All rights reserved. His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. Orion's 'spirits are high' after surgery | Robert Feder She currently serves on the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation, the U of I Agricultural Communications Advisory committee, and is an advisory board member for the U of I College of ACES Research Station at Monmouth. Thats why I titled my book, You Cant Dream Big Enough, Samuelson said about his book published in 2012. [3] He interviewed and or met every US president from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Donald Trump,[5] including John F. Kennedy (when he was still a Senator), Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton,[6][5] and finally, after he was 20 years out of the Oval Office, Harry S. Orions realm is in the city with the movers and shakers.. Sirott: When you were growing up in Wisconsin, did you have ambitions to be a broadcaster? FAIRY TALE? That was the latest tribute to Samuelsen, whose death made news outlets across the country, and drew sympathies from many dignitaries in the sports community, including all four Detroit major sports teams. Orions stories of growing up on the family dairy in Ontario, Wis., are familiar to listeners: 30 milk cows, six sows, 200 chickens, 200 acres but only 90 tillable. On the eve of his 60th anniversary as the booming voice of agriculture and business at WGN 720-AM, Orion Samuelson . Report: Orion Samuelson to Retire After 60 Years at WGN-AM - RADIO ONLINE He also made history by being the first agribusiness broadcaster to be inducted into the National Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame. CHICAGO (December 17, 2020) - WGN Radio announced that reporter Steve Alexander will assume responsibilities from agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson beginning in January. Max Armstrong (born June 13, 1953, Owensville, Indiana) is an American agriculture broadcaster from Chicago, Illinois. Chicago radio legend Orion Samuelson is out of intensive care and recovering from heart-valve replacement surgery, his wife said Wednesday. Get an exclusive peek behind the scenes of The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. On the lighter side, Samuelson and a studio group dubbed the "Uff da Band" once recorded covers of Yogi Yorgesson's novelty songs I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas and Yingle Bells. Samuelson hosted a similar show, This Week in Agribusiness, along with his longtime collaborator Max Armstrong, until his retirement, and continues to make occasional commentaries on that show with Armstrong as host. A. The farm broadcaster duo also assisted with Farm Visit Sundays which was organized by the University of Illinois Extension. The second is a parody of the poem " A Visit from Saint Nicholas ." Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Manage Settings Max Armstrong joined Orion at WGN in 1977, and as they spent the next 43 years together on air, they developed a seamless rapport. Autobiography of Orion "Big O" Samuelson, radio broadcaster on WGN in Chicago for over 50 years. just before graduating from the University of Illinois in agricultural communications. Wind noise is frequently loud on the tape. National Barn Dance - Wikipedia Yet even tragedy has a silver lining, because what do you do when youre confined to your bed in a Wisconsin farmhouse? Samuelson held the same position in the broadcasting industry for 60 consecutive years through 2020,[9] second only to Los Angeles Dodgers Radio Network announcer Vin Scully. Whats been your reaction to this outpouring of love for you? He will be turning 90 in only 335 days from today (01 May, 2023). It used to be in a compilation of news bloopers from the 70s and/or 80s, but I can't find it anymore. 'The Voice of Agriculture' retires - Farm Progress The result: casts, wheelchairs and crutches. Samuelson: No, I didnt, but, circumstances, leg disease that made it impossible to do heavy work. [9], In 2015, Armstrong published his first book, titled "Stories from the Heartland. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The money-saving move of starting at a community college rarely works as planned. Orion and I played a significant role in helping publicize that which happened 45 or 50 years ago., Its a remarkable thing that Orion has been on the air at the same station in a major market in the U.S. for 60 years, Armstrong stressed. His voice is synonymous with agriculture news and after January Orion Samuelson will be stepping away from the microphone. All rights reserved. Armstrong also hosts a three-minute feature, "Farming America", on the Tribune Radio Network. ORION-Richard Duane Samuelson, 93, of Orion, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at his home. There were many tears shed, including from listeners who called in, many of whom never met Samuelsen. She replied that she read them occasionally, and that was enough. Experts warn symptom may return with new COVID strain, 'Waste of time': Community college transfers hit students, Texas baseball player hit by gunfire during game, With Title 42 set to end, White House braces for surge of migrants, Michael J. I was the youngest at the radio station by nine years, he recalled. Orion says he tried to pass along two pieces of advice to his children: Always be honest in what you do, and speak your thoughts, but dont let politics or religion destroy relationships. On New Year's Day 2017, Orion will be alongside the Rose Parade route to co-host with Pam Minick RFD-TV's live coverage of the parade on January 1. And then you start dreaming. Samuelson has spent over 60 years perfecting this talent, first at radio stations in Wisconsin before starting his job at Chicagos WGN Radio in September 1960. The Wisconsin farm boy got a lot of surprises in Chicago, including flattened tires for parking in the wrong spot and a missed market report or two, thanks to slow elevators in the Tribune Tower. Sun-Times editor Chris Fusco leaving for California news startup, My childhood dream became the honor of a lifetime, Robservations: Sun-Times moving to Old Post Office; ABC 7 opens weekend anchor slot; Medill tracks local news decline, Robservations: StreetWise raises cover price; Sventoonie takes a break; Friends of Chicago Reporter mark 50. Orion's net worth hovers over $250,000 - $499,999 with a yearly income that's about $175 - 199,999. Samuelson's first day on the air at WGN was on September 26, 1960 at "milking time", 5 a.m., at age 26. Samuelson, 81, veteran agriculture-business reporter for Tribune Media news/talk WGN AM 720, underwent the procedure Monday at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Like the farmers hes served all these years, Orion celebrated that last first day on the job long ago. He has has served on the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees and in 2017 began working with the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation to raise $500,000 to support livestock programming. He was honored at the 2010 Wisconsin Corn/Soy Expo in Wisconsin Dells. Autobiography of Orion "Big O" Samuelson, radio broadcaster on WGN in Chicago for over 50 years. In the 1960s, Samuelson hosted an early-morning show on WGN-TV, Top 'O' the Morning, first with organist Harold Turner, then with Armstrong.

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