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Published in La Salle, Illinois, USA, by Shaw Media. In some ways, Orion Samuelsons life sounds like a fairy tale: Farm boy makes it big in the big city, travels the world and meets presidents. Heres how the Chicago media icon has told agricultures story. His final broadcast on WGN was the noon business report on December 31, 2020.[16][3]. On September 26, 1960, Orion Samuelson joined WGN Radio. Well known ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson will retire this month after 60 years in the field. That, I thought, explained a lot. Farm Report in 1975 and. Jim was very professional, and I learned several things from him that I still use, Orion says. 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. Samuelson was heard on WGN radio in Chicago for sixty years as the station's head agriculture broadcaster from 1960 through 2020. Sirott: When you were growing up in Wisconsin, did you have ambitions to be a broadcaster? There were many tears shed, including from listeners who called in, many of whom never met Samuelsen. On December 9, 2010, the southwest corner of E. Illinois Street & N. Cityfront Plaza Drive was named 'Orion Samuelson Way' by the city 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. [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. Thank you . I didnt know what cattle dairy and beef were.. All rights reserved. What's behind shortages of Adderall, other meds? And trust. And then Id drive 17 miles to the radio station, Id get home in time to help milk cows at night. Orion Samuelson is a 89 years old American broadcaster from . The University of Illinois presented Samuelson with the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters. Sirott: Well, Orion congratulations. Whats been your reaction to this outpouring of love for you? 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. [1] He produces and hosts the Farm Progress America and Max Armstrongs Midwest Digest daily radio programs. The bronze plaque is in the sidewalk outside the Tribune Tower studios at 435 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Chicago radio legend Orion Samuelson is out of intensive care and recovering from heart-valve replacement surgery, his wife said Wednesday. The testimonies of Moon's first wife, Mrs. Seon-gil Choi, and Pastor Deok-jin Kim [who wrote 19 of the church 'Holy Songs']. In 2011, Holly was one of 10 recipients worldwide to receive the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Ag Journalism award. Autobiography of Orion "Big O" Samuelson, radio broadcaster on WGN in Chicago for over 50 years. 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]. Holly Spangler has covered Illinois agriculture for more than two decades, bringing meaningful production agriculture experience to the magazines coverage. His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. He was the voice on the radio but part of the farm family. 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. Read full biography, Yes, Orion Samuelson is still alive Radio greats like Paul Harvey called on them to explain issues and provide a counterpoint when the latest anti-ag book came out. An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. [2] Career[edit] The engineers, stage hands and people on the air liked Orion, so it was much easier for me being the kid coming on board to slide right in because I was welcomed just by working with Orion.. He was also on President Ronald Reagans short list for secretary of agriculture, which ultimately ended in John Blocks selection. McDonalds is now offering its Big Mac sauce in prepackaged dipping cups but it aint free. , who would go on to found the agricultural communications program at the University of Illinois. Holly frequently speaks to a variety of groups and organizations, sharing the heart, soul and science of agriculture. In 2015, she became only the 10. Families from the city would spend the weekend on a farm and then the farmers would go into the city for a weekend.. At 86, his voice is as strong and deep and rich as its always been. Samuelsen worked in the Detroit sports-media landscape since 1994, at a variety of radio stations, but most notable WDFN 1130The Fan and WXYT 97.1 The Ticket. The show moved to Chicago's WGN-AM, with Orion Samuelson as the show's host, until it finally left the air in 1968. Politically, Samuelson is a significant supporter of the use of ethanol fuel as derived from corn, as he feels its use will help American farmers. 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. She currently serves as editor of Prairie Farmer magazine and Executive Editor for Farm Progress, managing editorial staff at six magazines throughout the eastern Corn Belt. 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. Orion is currently the host, along with Max Armstrong, of This Week in AgriBusiness - www.agbizweek.com, Read more about this topic: Orion Samuelson, Just how difficult it is to write biography can be reckoned by anybody who sits down and considers just how many people know the real truth about his or her love affairs.Rebecca West [Cicily Isabel Fairfield] (18921983), Had Dr. Johnson written his own life, in conformity with the opinion which he has given, that every mans life may be best written by himself; had he employed in the preservation of his own history, that clearness of narration and elegance of language in which he has embalmed so many eminent persons, the world would probably have had the most perfect example of biography that was ever exhibited.James Boswell (174095), A great biography should, like the close of a great drama, leave behind it a feeling of serenity. Orion immediately set to work shaping WGNs farm programming after he aired up his tires and mastered the elevators, of course. When I started, Orion was so highly regarded by everyone at WGN. FAIRY TALE? He was cut from the same cloth as Paul Harvey. He has two children. Private burial will be held at Western Township Cemetery. He served as master of ceremonies for thousands of shows and crowned dozens of queens, using his own plane to travel efficiently. Then I realize weve got more work to do., The question Samuelson has been asked the most is, What is a frozen pork belly?. He was born on March 31, 1934 in . "Thank you for loving Jamie and celebrating the goodness in him," McDonald wrote on Twitter. Orions high standards of reporting, thought leadership, articulate expression and caring spirit continue to help energize and guide me in my professional interests, and in my life, Evans says. Samuelson considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before deciding on six months of radio school. Orion Samuelson is a 89 years old American broadcaster from . We would talk about trade with China. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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). Bush, who invited me to join him at the White House studio for the interview.. The manager at WBAY called me in and said, I got a call from WGN, and they want to talk to you. He was born on March 31, 1934 in . As that door closed in Chicago, another opened at WGN when the station picked up the farm programming torch and Orion was invited to walk in. Samuelsons travels took him to 44 countries. Orion Samuelson was born on a dairy farm in Ontario, Wisconsin, near LaCrosse. A beloved hall of fame broadcaster and Chicago media icon if there ever was one, Samuelson, 86, informed his bosses hell bow out at the end of the year. After high school, Orion headed to the University of Wisconsin on a scholarship, determined to learn how to be a radio announcer. I couldnt believe it was happening, he says today. While at WGN radio in Chicago, the "Big O"covered agriculture and food production, met with U.S. presidents, travelled to dozens of countries, and encountered many foreign dignitaries, all while reporting on the contributions of American agriculture to the U.S. and world economy. [4] The show is a weekly agriculture television show, produced by OMAX Communications, LLC in cooperation with 22 Creative Group and Farm Progress. Check Background Get Contact Info This Is Me - Edit Reputation & Background View All (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. A new coronavirus subvariant is starting to spread in the U.S. and, according to health experts, it could be causing an annoying symptom to return. 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. Gloria Samuelson may get the biggest credit of all: saving Orions life. WGN Radios Orion Samuelson has graced airwaves throughout the heartland in places across the Midwest and beyond. "So many memories," he said, "and theyll be with me as long as Im around.". He will retire from WGNs airwaves on Dec. 31. It was Sept. 26, 1960, and as he headed toward his first day on the job at WGN, a singular thought ran through his head. [8], On This Week in Agribusiness, Armstrong has a segment "Max's Tractor Shed," which features vintage tractors sent in by viewers. Samuelson was inducted into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame in 2017. He went one further when he got Orion into public speaking contests. WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. [1] He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2003. Her guest asked her, if she didn't read them, how did she know how left-wing they were? In addition, the farm broadcaster also met several stars including Sophia Loren, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. He transcends generations, says Cerro Gordo, Ill., farmer Jared Gregg. From 1975 to 2005, Samuelson also was the host of U.S. Farm Report, a weekly television news magazine dedicated to agriculture. In addition to working with farmers and ranchers, Orion Samuelson has also been involved with activities outside of the agricultural industry, including emceeing at the Tournament of Roses Parade with co-host Pam Minick. 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. [10][11] In 2014 he was awarded the VERITAS award by American Agri-Women (AAW) Organization. Sirott: What would you like the first sentence in your Wikipedia entry to say about you? 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. In addition to its syndication run, the show is broadcast on RFD-TV. 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. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. She also had high praise for his care at University of Chicago. He drove home every weekend to be a polka music disc jockey. Like the farmers hes served all these years, Orion celebrated that last first day on the job long ago. Garth. Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC. Orions realm is in the city with the movers and shakers.. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Copyright 2022 agrinews-pubs.com. Copyright 2023. [3], Since August 2005, Armstrong has been co-host and co-founder of This Week in AgriBusiness, owned and produced with Samuelson. Number 8860726. 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. And then you start dreaming. CHICAGO ( NewsNation Now) One of the most famous voices in radio will end a remarkable 60-year career later this month. If a story is worth doing, then check your facts and make sure you do it right, Jim would tell me.. If you eat, youre involved in agriculture is the line hes used thousands of times at such events. 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. joined Orion at WGN in 1977, and as they spent the next 43 years together on air, they developed a seamless rapport. Orion Samuelson started his career at WGN Radio in September 1960, when the presidential election involved Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. 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.' In 2017, Max Armstrong was elected President of the NAFB. Three years into his tenure at WGN, Samuelson was the staffer that read the news of the John F. Kennedy assassination. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. I would, I would like that a lot. Her work in agricultural media has been recognized by the Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Corn, Illinois Council on Agricultural Education and MidAmerica Croplife Association. In addition to hosting his signature farm reports on radio and TV, and anchoring "The Noon Show" from 1960 to 2003, Samuelson emceed "The National Barn Dance" and read the first bulletin on the air of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963. CHICAGO (December 17, 2020) - WGN Radio announced that reporter Steve Alexander will assume responsibilities from agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson beginning in January. "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 . Orion is now single. Orion spent one Sunday at then-Rep. Denny Hasterts house, running through the possibilities. On the eve of his 60th anniversary as the booming voice of agriculture and business at WGN 720-AM, Orion Samuelson . WGN Radio's Orion Samuelson has graced airwaves throughout the heartland in places across the Midwest and beyond. Since July 2009, Armstrong has been director of broadcasting for Farm Progress. Plant-based product fixes nitrogen for corn, Report provides rangeland carbon market insight, Kansas State University veterinarian shares tips to prepare cattle for summer, Commodity Classic offers look at latest in ag equipment, tech, Orion Samuelson: Explaining agriculture to Chicago, Max on Orion: Champion for the American farmer. [3] He considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before deciding on six months of radio school. I tend to wait until tomorrow, but she said, Look at this now, because we dont wait, Orion recalls. 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. Cause I didnt think I was very important and then somebody said 60 years. Monticello, Ind., farmer Brian Scott says his grandpa said the same thing after nearly every lunch: Orion said . 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. But mainly, hes told agricultures story from downtown Chicago, where he became a media icon and a beloved hall of fame broadcaster. Orion Samuelson started his career at WGN Radio in September 1960, when the presidential election involved Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. The feeling is mutual. Join bestselling author Brad Montague in a Flip Live Event that inspires learners worldwide to embrace their creativity. [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. Thats why I titled my book, You Cant Dream Big Enough, Samuelson said about his book published in 2012. A. Samuelson: The biggest change, besides technology, it would be the fact that agriculture is international because when I started in the business, South America, Brazil, wasnt even in the soybean situation. His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. 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. Please help me find a news bloopers with Orion Samuelson. No funeral arrangements have been announced. Thats what I did and it took me a couple of weeks to convince Max to make the move from Bloomington to Chicago. Samuelson: And I did! Orion's spirits are high and he is looking forward to returning to the airwaves as soon as he gets the 'go ahead. . Holly and her husband, John, farm in western Illinois where they raise corn, soybeans and beef cattle on 2,500 acres. The self-described "unknown cow milker from western Wisconsin" was born on a dairy farm near LaCrosse, and got his start on radio stations in Sparta, Appleton and Green Bay. WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. That I could explain the strange business of agriculture and food production in a way that was understandable, and that I was a good guy and a good listener. She currently serves as editor of Prairie Farmer magazine and Executive Editor for Farm Progress, managing editorial staff at six magazines throughout the eastern Corn Belt. CHICAGO Becoming a successful broadcaster requires the ability to be a good listener. He gave an emotional update last Monday on the air, saying he wasn't saying his goodbyes, but colleagues feared otherwise. 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. We would talk about the European Community and the blocks that were put up against our products. There was a time we were doing 190 broadcasts per week on WGN Radio and the television show, This Week in AgriBusiness, so we were busy boys.. First, Orion won the section, and then he went to state, and then he placed second in all of Wisconsin. This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Samuelson considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before deciding on six months of radio school. The winner of more awards and inductee in more halls of fame than he can count, Samuelson said one of the honors he cherishes most is the honorary doctor of letters degree he received from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2001. Today, Samuelson and his wife live about 50 miles west of Chicago. And while Orion has covered 19 different secretaries of agriculture and eight presidents, and even dined at the White House, he nearly became a candidate himself for about four days back in 2007. ORION-Richard Duane Samuelson, 93, of Orion, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at his home. Armstrong also was awarded an Alum Certificate of Distinction from the College of Agriculture and a Sagamore of the Wabash, given by the Governor of Indiana. 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. In the clip the announcer says, "Now, here's Orion Samuelson," but Orion seems not to have heard! Samuelson received a specially engraved Norwegian horse plaque to commemorate the occasion from presidents of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, the Wisconsin Soybean Association, the Wisconsin Agri-Services Association and the Wisconsin Pork Association. But mainly, hes told agricultures story from downtown Chicago, where he became a media icon and a beloved hall of fame broadcaster. Good health and happiness to you and to Gloria. 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. Armstrong was a member of NAFB for 40 years before being elected president. If you dont listen to your interview guests response, you wont be able to respond with something that is knowledgeable.. I dont like conspiracy theories. That's because he'd dropped out as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin at Madison after only three months. Thank you. Payday lenders operate in 32 states, and about 12 million Americans use payday loans each year. They dont want you to retire. 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. This job changed the direction of my career immensely.. There were host farms in northern Illinois that opened on Sundays for consumers to visit, Armstrong said. 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's net worth hovers over $250,000 - $499,999 with a yearly income that's about $175 - 199,999. Televised "Hometown Heroes" featuring Orion Samuelson to air on NewsNation on Dec. 18. 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.. Enjoy the next phase of your life. The Republicans were looking for someone to run against Democratic Senate candidate Barack Obama. But inside WGN, his new colleagues welcomed him into the family. Simple country hospitality has always gone a long way, Max says. Three years into his tenure at WGN, he was the staffer that read the news of the John F. Kennedy assassination. Samuelson: No, I didnt, but, circumstances, leg disease that made it impossible to do heavy work.

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orion samuelson first wife

orion samuelson first wife

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