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Agri-Voice of 60 Years Dies at 91
4 Apr
Summary
- He was the voice of agricultural news for 60 years on WGN Radio.
- Samuelson interviewed eight presidents and met with JFK.
- He flew thousands of miles annually on 'Air Orion' to connect with farmers.
Orion Samuelson, who for six decades provided essential agricultural news to listeners of WGN Radio in Chicago, passed away on March 16 at his home in Huntley, Illinois. He was 91 years old.
Mr. Samuelson was renowned for his ability to connect with both farmers and urban audiences. He traveled extensively, often on his four-seat Cessna 210 named 'Air Orion,' to interview farmers and attend livestock shows. His broadcasting career began in the 1950s, and he became a leading authority in farm journalism.
His influence extended to politics, where he was sought by candidates seeking to reach farm-belt voters. He notably met with Senator John F. Kennedy in 1960. Samuelson's distinctive baritone voice delivered commodity prices, weather forecasts, and insights into food production, acting as a crucial bridge between rural and urban communities.
Born in Wisconsin in 1934, Samuelson overcame a childhood illness that confined him to a wheelchair, sparking his interest in radio. After attending broadcasting school, he began his career in local radio before joining WGN in 1960. He often used the term 'we' when speaking to farmers, emphasizing his connection to the agricultural community.
