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. He was the voice on the radio but part of the farm family. The warmth, concern and attention to every need is nothing short of outstanding, she wrote. 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. Televised "Hometown Heroes" featuring Orion Samuelson to air on NewsNation on Dec. 18. 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. 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. At WBAY, he crossed paths with a fellow ag communicator named. If a story is worth doing, then check your facts and make sure you do it right, Jim would tell me.. Throughout the 1930s, 40s and 50s, Prairie Farmer owned WLS, airing farm and rural programming such as the National Barn Dance and more. 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]. [5], In 2001, Armstrong was named Farm Broadcaster of the Year by the NAFB. 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. She and her husband are active in state and local farm organizations. Armstrong also hosts a three-minute feature, "Farming America", on the Tribune Radio Network. This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. [13], On November 1, 2012, Samuelson published his autobiography "You Cant Dream Big Enough" was published by Bantry Bay Media. [9], In 2015, Armstrong published his first book, titled "Stories from the Heartland. Dont make a mountain out of this lets wait and see what weve got was his approach to crises large and small. In addition, the farm broadcaster also met several stars including Sophia Loren, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Thank you. 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. His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. Gloria took the sensible route, thinking it too taxing to campaign following a recent throat surgery. Chronology Copyright 2022 agrinews-pubs.com. Reverence, always. The Tigers on Sunday held a moment of silence. And I think, what am I doing standing here? In the clip the announcer says, "Now, here's Orion Samuelson," but Orion seems not to have heard! Samuelson: And I did! You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. After graduation, he moved to Grinnell, Iowa, where he lives with his wife, Heidi. She also had high praise for his care at University of Chicago. CHICAGO Becoming a successful broadcaster requires the ability to be a good listener. Samuelsen missed significant time over the last month as the diagnosis got worse. Sirott: Orion, judging by all the listeners whove been calling us in the morning, people dont care how old you are. He is a part-time farmer and has experience as a banker with an emphasis on agriculture and residential lending.. This job changed the direction of my career immensely.. Farm Progress is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC. [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. I didnt know what cattle dairy and beef were.. 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. 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. In 2011, Holly was one of 10 recipients worldwide to receive the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Ag Journalism award. 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. His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. 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. FAIRY TALE? "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 . Its been quite a career, Samuelson said. The farm broadcaster duo also assisted with Farm Visit Sundays which was organized by the University of Illinois Extension. It is the dying refrain of a completed song, the final verse of a finished poem.Andr Maurois (18851967). Last check: 1 year ago. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. 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. 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. Payday lenders operate in 32 states, and about 12 million Americans use payday loans each year. I would, I would like that a lot. [2], Politically, Samuelson supported the production of ethanol fuel from corn, to help American farmers.[8]. The pair were married in 2001. If you eat, youre involved in agriculture is the line hes used thousands of times at such events. Three years into his tenure at WGN, Samuelson was the staffer that read the news of the John F. Kennedy assassination. Thats what I did and it took me a couple of weeks to convince Max to make the move from Bloomington to Chicago. There were many tears shed, including from listeners who called in, many of whom never met Samuelsen. If you dont listen to your interview guests response, you wont be able to respond with something that is knowledgeable.. Farm Report in 1975 andThis Week in AgriBusinessin 2005. Samuelson began his broadcasting career in Wisconsin and will officially sign off from his job at WGN radio in Chicago. 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. 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. 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. [8], On This Week in Agribusiness, Armstrong has a segment "Max's Tractor Shed," which features vintage tractors sent in by viewers. 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. Well known ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson will retire this month after 60 years in the field. WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. [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. She spotted early signs of a serious illness one day in 2004, during a television broadcast. Orion Samuelson was born on a dairy farm in Ontario, Wisconsin, near LaCrosse. And so even-tempered. 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. 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. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue recently honored Samuelson with a proclamation heralding the broadcaster's long career in ag journalism. Orion Samuelson, 86, informed his bosses he'll retire at the end of the year. 2023 www.detroitnews.com. The hall of fame broadcaster and Chicago media icon says he'll end his run at the end of the year. [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. Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC. At 86, his voice is as strong and deep and rich as its always been. 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. From 1975 to 2005, Samuelson was the host of U.S. Farm Report, a weekly television news magazine dedicated to agriculture. All rights reserved. The bronze plaque is in the sidewalk outside the Tribune Tower studios at 435 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Obviously the highlight of my career is the opportunity to work with farmers, ranchers and food producers because theyre my favorite people, he said. 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. 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. Today, Samuelson and his wife live about 50 miles west of Chicago. You arent alone. Luckily, a copycat recipe is easy enough to copy. Read full biography, Yes, Orion Samuelson is still alive Hes originated broadcasts from all 50 states and 44 countries. CHICAGO ( NewsNation Now) One of the most famous voices in radio will end a remarkable 60-year career later this month. Why? After a few years, audiences finally began to wane, and the program ceased live performances after 1957. . USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue recently honored Samuelson with a proclamation heralding the broadcaster's long career in ag journalism. This would turn out to be his trademark generosity, as he mentored dozens of young broadcasters and interns over the coming decades. When Armstrong started at WGN, he was surrounded by announcers and personalities who were significantly older. Wellman farmer Clint Whetstine stands in front of destroyed pens and barns from tornado. 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. He will be turning 90 in only 335 days from today (01 May, 2023). 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. According to his impressive resume, Samuelson is the only broadcaster to receive two Oscars in Agriculture from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Like the farmers hes served all these years, Orion celebrated that last first day on the job long ago. 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. "So I think Ill find things to do.". Well known ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson will retire this month after 60 years in the field. [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. WGN Radio's Orion Samuelson has graced airwaves throughout the heartland in places across the Midwest and beyond. The number of Americans seeking mental health treatment isalmost twiceas high as it was two decades ago. Samuelson retires on December 31 after marking more than 60 years with the . Max Armstrong joined Orion at WGN in 1977, and as they spent the next 43 years together on air, they developed a seamless rapport. He went one further when he got Orion into public speaking contests. This page was last edited on 20 November 2022, at 09:03. Not even Earl Butz had this kind of name recognition. Samuelson now hosts a similar show, This Week in Agribusiness, on RFD-TV, along with Armstrong. Youve educated a lot of people though, havent you? For over 60 years, Orion Samuelson has been the voice on the radio and a trusted member of the farm family. The testimonies of Moon's first wife, Mrs. Seon-gil Choi, and Pastor Deok-jin Kim [who wrote 19 of the church 'Holy Songs']. Ontario, Wis., looked like home. At 97.1, which he joined in 2012, he first co-hosted with News columnist Bob Wojnowski for four years, and since 2016 he has worked with Mike Stone. I was the youngest at the radio station by nine years, he recalled. "How do you say goodbye to a man who made everyone feel like a friend?". The result: casts, wheelchairs and crutches. Young Orion was a tall kid headed for the basketball team the summer before high school when he was afflicted with a rare disease known as Legg-Perthes disease. Monticello, Ind., farmer Brian Scott says his grandpa said the same thing after nearly every lunch: Orion said . Samuelsen died Saturday night at the age of 48, surroundedby McDonald and their three children. 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. Later, Orion would earn an honorary doctor of letters from the U of I. Her guest asked her, if she didn't read them, how did she know how left-wing they were? Samuelsons travels took him to 44 countries. But times and tastes changed, and in early 1960, ABC bought WLS and converted it to a rock-and-roll station. Chicago radio legend Orion Samuelson is out of intensive care and recovering from heart-valve replacement surgery, his wife said Wednesday. Gloria says those are among the traits that have made him successful that and being generous with his time and talents, especially with young people. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. I think what has been missed by many is that Orion was an agvocate at least 40 years before most farmers knew they should be, said Max Armstrong, who has worked with Samuelson for the past 43 years. Samuelson was born on a dairy farm in Ontario, Wisconsin, near LaCrosse. Thats a lesson we should all learn, he adds quietly. 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. David is retired from a career as a trader on the Chicago Board of Trade and has two children of his own, and Katheryn is in the restaurant business. On September 26, 1960, Orion Samuelson joined WGN Radio. "I couldn't believe it was happening," he says today. That teacher, Robert Gehring, went far out of his way to help a kid who really needed to catch a break. The Republicans were looking for someone to run against Democratic Senate candidate Barack Obama. In addition to that, Ive interviewed nine presidents, including George H.W. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Autobiography of Orion "Big O" Samuelson, radio broadcaster on WGN in Chicago for over 50 years. The manager at WBAY called me in and said, I got a call from WGN, and they want to talk to you. I dont ever remember working on a style, he says, but I never took my voice for granted. [1] He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Famein 2003. TROY, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - A Lake Orion man hit the pavement this weekend to run a marathon for a great cause to give back to Henry Ford Health. "The Big O," as he's known around the station, will continue to deliver five or six daily business reports for WGN until he hangs up the mic and rides off into the sunset with his wife Gloria. She was named an AAEA Master Writer in 2005. And then I shook hands with Mikhail Gorbachev, you know, two of the world leaders and went to England to broadcast live from their Royal Agriculture Show and when you say, who are the most important people: the farmers, the ranchers and the food producers are, and then all the others came after that. Samuelson was heard on WGN radio in Chicago for sixty years as the station's head agriculture broadcaster from 1960 through 2020. DePue: I must tell you that I've got a military background. 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. And then you start dreaming. Thank you . He called the manager of the station in Green Bay and said he was going to try to steal his farm director.. 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. Few partnerships in agriculture are as easily recognized as that of Max and Orion again, by first names only. Samuelson considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before deciding on six months of radio school. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. It used to be in a compilation of news bloopers from the 70s and/or 80s, but I can't find it anymore. On the eve of his 60th anniversary as the booming voice of agriculture and business at WGN 720-AM, Orion Samuelson . Orion's spirits are high and he is looking forward to returning to the airwaves as soon as he gets the 'go ahead. . But mainly, hes told agricultures story from downtown Chicago, where he became a media icon and a beloved hall of fame broadcaster. Max Armstrong was named an Honorary Master Farmer in 2018 by Prairie Farmer Magazine. "So many memories," he said, "and theyll be with me as long as Im around.". Both shows aired on 190 Midwest stations[7] via first-run syndication. 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. Before the program was over, hed scored a job at WKLJ in Sparta, Wis., less than 20 miles from the home farm. 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. The man continues to repeat the introduction until Orion continues. Samuelsen also made regular appearances on Fox 2 and wrote periodically for the Detroit Free Press. Theres a saying that todays news is tomorrows history, said Perdue. Manage Settings And trust. [2], Many of those living in the Midwest over the past six decades remember the big, booming voice of Orion Samuelson that explained the business of agriculture and food production in an understandable way. In 1954, he moved to WHBY in Appleton, Wis., to be the nighttime announcer, and by 1956, Orion had secured his first position as a farm broadcaster at WBAY in Green Bay, Wis. At WBAY, he crossed paths with a fellow ag communicator named Jim Evans, who would go on to found the agricultural communications program at the University of Illinois. 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. Orion immediately set to work shaping WGNs farm programming after he aired up his tires and mastered the elevators, of course. 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. There are options, 'Stranger than fiction': Tick bite may cause allergy, How to get out of a payday loan nightmare. Sirott: Well, Orion congratulations. 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. Farm Report in 1975 and. 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. 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. "They werent teaching me to be a broadcaster, they were teaching me to be a writer. U.S. agricultural journalist to earn the Writer of Merit designation and is a five-time winner of the top writing award for editorial opinion in U.S. agriculture. In the world of agriculture, Orion Samuelson is a rock star, and to Orion tonight we say, "Happy Birthday!" Orion has been on WGN Radio for more than 53 of his 80 years, so WGN's Steve. "Well go back and forth to Arizona and not have to worry about setting the alarm clock and making sure Im ready for the next report," he said. Please help me find a news bloopers with Orion Samuelson. That was the ticket. His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. The University of Illinois also presented Samuelson with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters. canceling National Barn Dance outright. Sirott: Anyone living in the Midwest over the past six decades knows that great, big, booming voice of yours. Later, Orion would earn an honorary doctor of letters from the U of I. Orion Samuelson was born on a dairy farm in Ontario, Wisconsin, near LaCrosse. Last night, apropos of little to nothing, one of the hosts intoned that The New York Times and The Washington Post were far too left-wing for her to read. Parent PLUS loans offer limited relief options but some borrowers can still access lower monthly payments, loan forgiveness and more. He transcends generations, says Cerro Gordo, Ill., farmer Jared Gregg. First, Orion won the section, and then he went to state, and then he placed second in all of Wisconsin. Number 8860726. Three years into his tenure at WGN, he was the staffer that read the news of the John F. Kennedy assassination. Read more:Orion Samuelson: Explaining agriculture to ChicagoHow Orion became beloved in agricultureWhat Orion means on the farmMax on Orion: Champion for the American farmer, Senior Editor, Prairie Farmer, Farm Progress. 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. Orions realm is in the city with the movers and shakers.. Reliable and true., And quotable. 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? Madonna. 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. Orion's net worth hovers over $250,000 - $499,999 with a yearly income that's about $175 - 199,999. He gave an emotional update last Monday on the air, saying he wasn't saying his goodbyes, but colleagues feared otherwise. So I should recover very quickly.. He was born on March 31, 1934 in . At the time, Samuelson credited 4-H with igniting his passion for agriculture and his first experiences with public speaking, ultimately leading to his broadcasting career. And I cant write. Orion Samuelson has 1 sibling. 00:00 Aerial shots of farmland, taken from a . Since July 2009, Armstrong has been director of broadcasting for Farm Progress. It feels like a fairy tale! Samuelson considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before deciding on six months of radio school. [1] Broadcast History [ edit] Armstrong's first job out of college was for the Illinois Farm Bureau as a Broadcast Editor, which was where he met Orion Samuelson. It would also be the last first day Orion Samuelson would ever have. Sirott: When you were growing up in Wisconsin, did you have ambitions to be a 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. 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. Orion is now single. Max Armstrong's Tractor App received a Best of NAMA award, along with awards from the American Agricultural Editors' Association and American Web Design awards. Holly Spangler has covered Illinois agriculture for more than two decades, bringing meaningful production agriculture experience to the magazines coverage. "He loved a wicked joke, a good game & a strong gimlet. "The Big O," as he's known, will continue to deliver five or six daily business . Max Armstrong (born June 13, 1953, Owensville, Indiana) is an American agriculture broadcaster from Chicago, Illinois. 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. 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. He was much better than I would have been, Orion reassures. A. combine platform head from Case IH on display at 2023 Commodity Classic, at the end of this month, recording a landmark 60 years on WGN and creating original television programs such as U.S.

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