Orion Samuelson - Age, Birthday, Biography & Facts | HowOld.co But mainly, hes told agricultures story from downtown Chicago, where he became a media icon and a beloved hall of fame broadcaster. He was cut from the same cloth as Paul Harvey. For over 60 years, Orion Samuelson has been the voice on the radio and a trusted member of the farm family. Not even Earl Butz had this kind of name recognition. Serving on a three-member board, he hires and promotes full-time firefighters and paramedics for one of the highest-rated (ISO 1) fire service organizations in the United States, the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District.[11]. You arent alone. The show moved to Chicago's WGN-AM, with Orion Samuelson as the show's host, until it finally left the air in 1968. CHICAGO ( NewsNation Now) One of the most famous voices in radio will end a remarkable 60-year career later this month. [15], On September 23, 2020, Samuelson announced his retirement from WGN Radio. I sat at a table with Glen Campbell and Bob Dole and we became good friends., Subscribe to receive top agriculture news, Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters. 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. You cant respond to someone until you listen to them, and you cant ask the right questions until you learn where theyre coming from. Farm Progress Show annually hosts more than 600 exhibitors displaying new farm equipment, tractors, combines and farm implements; seed and crop protection products; and many additional farm supplies and services. Hes originated broadcasts from all 50 states and 44 countries. Orion Samuelson was just 27 years old when he made his way up North Michigan Avenue, striding toward the Tribune Tower. Chronology On September 26, 1960, Orion Samuelson joined WGN Radio. For 60 years, Orion has commanded a room without even stepping into it. Check Background Get Contact Info This Is Me - Edit Reputation & Background View All They still do a one-hour radio show together every Saturday at 5a.m., and they partner on This Week in AgriBusiness, airing on television stations nationwide and on RFD-TV. This would turn out to be his trademark generosity, as he mentored dozens of young broadcasters and interns over the coming decades. 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. Samuelsen was a native of suburban San Francisco and attended college at Northwestern, before arriving in Detroit. From Eddie Hubbard, Wally Phillips, Bob Collins and Spike O'Dell to Steve Cochran and Bob Sirott, Samuelson has been rising with WGN's morning stars and their listeners for an amazing six decades. Samuelson began his broadcasting career in Wisconsin and will officially sign off from his job at WGN radio in Chicago. U.S. Farm Report continued without Samuelson after his departure. 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. He gave an emotional update last Monday on the air, saying he wasn't saying his goodbyes, but colleagues feared otherwise. Armstrong also hosts a three-minute feature, "Farming America", on the Tribune Radio Network. Later, Orion would earn an honorary doctor of letters from the U of I. 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. Max Armstrong joined Orion at WGN in 1977, and as they spent the next 43 years together on air, they developed a seamless rapport. And he championed the farmers cause. The money-saving move of starting at a community college rarely works as planned. Read full biography, Yes, Orion Samuelson is still alive 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. We would talk about the European Community and the blocks that were put up against our products. Shes a beautiful lady and a beautiful partner, he says. Yet even tragedy has a silver lining, because what do you do when youre confined to your bed in a Wisconsin farmhouse? 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. Orion was bridging the gap between the farm and the city before anyone else in the country thought about it., The first time I heard Max do the Farm Bureau reports, I said to my producer that if we ever need to get an associate at WGN farm department, Im going to call him, Samuelson recalled. 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. You Can't Dream Big Enough - Goodreads Armstrong was full-time with WGN Radio for 32 years until 2009. McDonald posted to Twitter on Monday afternoon, her first post since Samuelsen went on the air a week ago and announced his diagnosis and that he'd been battling the disease for 19 months.. Orion Samuelson is a 89 years old American broadcaster from . Bush, who invited me to join him at the White House studio for the interview.. The Tigers on Sunday held a moment of silence. [2] Career[edit] On 97.1 on Monday, the station's programming was one long, emotional tribute to Samuelsen, starting with Stone and Heather Park in the morning, and carrying over to Doug Karsch and Scott Anderson in middays. That teacher, Robert Gehring, went far out of his way to help a kid who really needed to catch a break. Everyone loved him the engineers and everyone behind the scenes, he describes. One newscaster spent a week fathering Orion through three floors of studios, until he knew where to go and when to be there. They serve with their local 4-H and FFA programs, their school district, and are active in their church's youth and music ministries. In 2001, Samuelson was named a laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois and was awarded the Order of Lincoln the highest award bestowed by the State of Illinois. From meeting with government officials and dignitaries around the world to serving as a mentor to young men and women preparing for careers in agriculture. The number of Americans seeking mental health treatment isalmost twiceas high as it was two decades ago. An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. And yes, those programs often started and ended with an Ole and Lena joke. At age 26, Samuelson got the call to join 50,000-watt powerhouse WGN, where he began as farm director on September 26, 1960. And I cant write. In 2015, she became only the 10. You listen to the radio. 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. Her work in agricultural media has been recognized by the Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Corn, Illinois Council on Agricultural Education and MidAmerica Croplife Association. And Im looking at that building, this monument that the man built for his wife. On the eve of his 60th anniversary as the booming voice of agriculture and business at WGN 720-AM, Orion Samuelson says it's time to retire from the Nexstar Media Group news/talk station. She began her career with Prairie Farmer just before graduating from the University of Illinois in agricultural communications. Well known ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson will retire this month after 60 years in the field. Orion Samuelson and his wife, Gloria, were kind enough to allow me to introduce myself and even pose for a quick picture. Her work in agricultural media has been recognized by the Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Corn, Illinois Council on Agricultural Education and MidAmerica Croplife Association. His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. Payday lenders operate in 32 states, and about 12 million Americans use payday loans each year. She also had high praise for his care at University of Chicago. 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 agribusinessand food production in an understandable way. Samuelsen's wife: 'Thank you for loving Jamie and celebrating the Legendary Agribusiness Broadcaster Orion Samuelson To Retire in Norma He has two children. WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. Samuelson was heard on WGN radio in Chicago for sixty years as the station's head agriculture broadcaster from 1960 through 2020. He is a part-time farmer and has experience as a banker with an emphasis on agriculture and residential lending.. It feels like a fairy tale! These days, Orion is dialing back obligations and busy recovering from back surgery. Samuelson: It took me and I still cant believe this, but it took me two weeks to make the decision that I would leave Green Bay and go to Chicago, because Im a country boy. American agricultural broadcast journalist, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Christmas Eve air check from Radio Hall of Fame, "Robservations: WGN Radio names Steve Alexander to succeed Orion Samuelson - Robert Feder", "Legendary agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson on 60 years", "President Trump makes surprise phone call during Decatur Farm Progress Show", "Radio Hall of Fame - Orion Samuelson, Farm Broadcaster", "WGN's Orion Samuelson to have heart surgery", "Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation Board of Directors", "CME Group and NAFB Foundation to Award First-Ever Orion Samuelson Scholarship for Agricultural Communications", "Orion Samuelson to retire after 60 years at WGN Radio", "Laureates by Year - The Lincoln Academy of Illinois", Legendary agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson on 60 years, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Orion_Samuelson&oldid=1105630782, Short description is different from Wikidata, BLP articles lacking sources from May 2008, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Orion Samuelson was inducted as a Laureate of, This page was last edited on 21 August 2022, at 02:59. Before the program was over, hed scored a job at WKLJ in Sparta, Wis., less than 20 miles from the home farm. It is the dying refrain of a completed song, the final verse of a finished poem.Andr Maurois (18851967). The surgeon commented that Orion is further along than patients half his age. 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. Reliable and true., And quotable. "How do you say goodbye to a man who made everyone feel like a friend?". Even farmers dont work that long in a lot of cases and here you are still getting up early and doing what youve done for the last well, since 1952. Gloria took the sensible route, thinking it too taxing to campaign following a recent throat surgery. But inside WGN, his new colleagues welcomed him into the family. "Thank you for loving Jamie and celebrating the goodness in him," McDonald wrote on Twitter. At WBAY, he crossed paths with a fellow ag communicator named. His career led him to have dinner at the White House and travel to 43 countries [4] including Cuba, where he shook hands with Fidel Castro, Moscow where he met with Mikhail Gorbachev, and England to broadcast live from the Royal Agricultural Show (aka Royal Show). 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. In addition, the farm broadcaster also met several stars including Sophia Loren, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. She and her husband are active in state and local farm organizations. "The American Farmer's Best Friend for Over Sixty Years" tells about his humble beginnings on a Wisconsin dairy farm and how his big dreams led to a Hall of Fame career in broadcasting, travels to 43 countries, dinner at the White House and, most importantly, the trust of the hard working men and . The University of Illinois also presented Samuelson with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters. There were host farms in northern Illinois that opened on Sundays for consumers to visit, Armstrong said. Samuelson: Well, because we were able to talk more than planting corn or soybeans. Orion Samuelson AIS-V-L-2009-002 3 those sermons, never thinking that I'd someday be working (laughs) in the same studios that the Colonel was in. They dont want you to retire. More: Wojo:Jamie Samuelsen brought out all the goodness, in radio and in life. Dairy industry works to build trust with Gen Z, 13 ways to have better conversations about ag, A bill that would kill large-scale livestock farms, Weekly grain movement: Corn exceeds expectations. Samuelson has held the same job in the broadcasting industry for 50 consecutive years, second only to Los Angeles Dodgers Radio Network announcer Vin Scully. But mainly, hes told agricultures story from downtown Chicago, where he became a media icon and a beloved hall of fame broadcaster. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I told him Ive done it and you can do it, too., Orion is one of the hardest working people youll every run into he has a tremendous work ethic, Armstrong said. [1] He produces and hosts the Farm Progress America and Max Armstrongs Midwest Digest daily radio programs. [14], In 2014 the CME Group and the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) Foundation announced the inaugural recipient of the Orion Samuelson Scholarship ($5,000) for a senior at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. As host of "The U.S. Farm Report" (now "This Week in AgriBusiness" with longtime partner Max Armstrong), he became the best-known voice of agriculture in America. 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. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Why? Samuelson was born on a dairy farm in Ontario, Wisconsin, near LaCrosse. In addition, Samuelson hosts a three-minute daily "National Farm Report", and a weekly commentary, "Samuelson Sez"; both are syndicated to various stations across the country through Tribune Broadcasting's Tribune Radio Network. Orion Samuelson, 86, will retire from WGN-AM/Chicago after 60 years with the Nexstar Media Group's News/Talk outlet, reports Chicago media columist Robert Feder. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue recently honored Samuelson with a proclamation heralding the broadcaster's long career in ag journalism. Last check: 1 year ago. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. The man continues to repeat the introduction until Orion continues. But even 60 years later, you can hear awe in his familiar baritone. (10 years younger) if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'howold_co-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-howold_co-medrectangle-3-0'); Orion Samuelson was born on the 31th of March 1934, which was a Saturday. updated October 9, 2020 (Her name, can also be written Sun-kil Choi, Sun Kil Choi or Choi Sun-kil but that is not so accurate.) He was born on March 31, 1934 in . And for all of the listeners and for all of us who have had the great fortune to work with you here, we thank you. His big booming voice was heard daily on 260 radio stations with his National Farm Report and on 110 stations with his Samuelson Sez. He co-hosted the Morning Show on Saturdays and currently hosts This Week in Agribusiness on RFD-TV. When I started, Orion was so highly regarded by everyone at WGN. 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? Orion at approximately age 7.Orion at approximately age 14.Orion's high school graduation photo.Orion in the mid-1960s.Sixty years ago.Orion in the mid-1970s.Orion SamuelsonOrion in his office.Orion Samuelson with the chair given to him by the FFA.Orion on the front page.Orion Samuelson at the podium after receiving the Order of Lincoln Medallion on May 5, 2001.Orion at She was named an AAEA Master Writer in 2005. They had a lot of misconceptions about the role food producers play in our economy and our society, Samuelson said. Families from the city would spend the weekend on a farm and then the farmers would go into the city for a weekend.. In the clip the announcer says, "Now, here's Orion Samuelson," but Orion seems not to have heard! Number 8860726. 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. Holly and her husband, John, farm in western Illinois where they raise corn, soybeans and beef cattle on 2,500 acres. Jamie Samuelsen's wife, local TV personality Christy McDonald, thanked friends and fans for the significant outpouring of support in the days since Samuelson died from colon cancer. Get an exclusive peek behind the scenes of The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. He didnt find what he as looking for there, though, and within a few weeks, he transferred to the American Institute of the Air in Minneapolis, a six-month program that promised a radio broadcasting certificate. 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. [10][11] In 2014 he was awarded the VERITAS award by American Agri-Women (AAW) Organization. Samuelson: Yeah, without a doubt. They plan to divide their time between homes in west suburban Huntley and Scottsdale, Arizona. Ive gone to 44 countries to cover the agricultural story.I was in Cuba and I shook hands with Fidel Castro, who had a tough handshake, and I thought, if were going to wait for him to go away, were going to wait a long time. Wellman farmer Clint Whetstine stands in front of destroyed pens and barns from tornado. And I think, what am I doing standing here? [6], During the 1960s, Samuelson hosted an early-morning show on WGN-TV, Top 'O' the Morning, first with organist Harold Turner, then with Max Armstrong. 00:00 Aerial shots of farmland, taken from a . 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.. Sirott: Well, Orion congratulations. Samuelson Named Grand Marshal of 2016 Pumpkin Festival So Id get up in the morning and Id help dad milk cows. If you dont listen to your interview guests response, you wont be able to respond with something that is knowledgeable.. Orion Samuelson was just 27 years old when he made his way up North Michigan Avenue, striding toward the Tribune Tower. My buddies in the military can never understand why in the world the First Infantry Division He was much better than I would have been, Orion reassures. Samuelson is a 2003 National Radio Hall of Fame inductee. [1] He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Famein 2003. Once Samuelson started his job at WGN, it didnt take him long to realize that urban people didnt understand farmers or ranchers. Samuelson: Thats probably one of the biggest compliments I get from city listeners in Chicago or suburbs or other cities who say, I didnt know what soybeans were. Its been quite a career, Samuelson said. Right away, he suggested bringing the National Barn Dance talent over to WGN, and in doing so, saved a few jobs and found himself working alongside the radio stars he listened to back on the dairy farm. Later, Orion would earn an honorary doctor of letters from the U of I. Farm Report in 1975 and. Over the years, Orion originated broadcasts all over the world, including 10 times in China and four in Russia. So, its one of those what might have been stories but I value my relationship with my wife, Orion says, laughing. In addition to its syndication run, the show is broadcast on RFD-TV. Samuelsen missed significant time over the last month as the diagnosis got worse. Lake Orion man runs marathon for great cause that saved his wife's life "I dont know how many broadcasters have been around for 60 or more years, so I dont know if its that much of a milestone.". Thats why I tell young people today to learn everything you can about everything and youll always have a job, Samuelson said. Happy Birthday to radio legend Orion Samuelson | WGN-TV ", Now Samuelson looks back on a splendid career he never could have imagined. 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. Samuelson was working at WBAY in Green Bay, Wisconsin, when Norm Kraft, WGN farm director resigned on the air. Orion's spirits are high and he is looking forward to returning to the airwaves as soon as he gets the 'go ahead. . Lions head coach Matt Patricia, on his own, called into 97.1 on Monday morning to share his sympathies. Orion Samuelson has 1 sibling. CHICAGO (December 17, 2020) - WGN Radio announced that reporter Steve Alexander will assume responsibilities from agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson beginning in January. The lesson I share with young people is in order to make a living talking you have got to be a good listener, said Orion Samuelson, farm broadcaster at WGN Radio.