Remembering WGN Legend Orion Samuelson

• It is with profound sadness that WGN Radio/Chicago shares the news of the passing of Orion Samuelson at the age of 91. Orion Samuelson is a name synonymous with WGN — he made his WGN debut on Sept. 26, 1960 at the age of 26, and celebrated his 60th anniversary with the station on Sept. 26, 2020, leading into his retirement on Dec. 31, 2020.

Over the course of his six-decade run at WGN, Samuelson interviewed nine Presidents and reported from all 50 states and numerous locations around the world. His lifelong commitment to agriculture earned him numerous accolades and awards, including an Honorary Degree from the University of Illinois and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Distinguished Service Award. In 2001, he was named a Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois and honored with the Lincoln Medal, the highest award bestowed by the state of Illinois, and in 2003, Samuelson was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame and presented his award by fellow Hall of Fame legend, Paul Harvey.

“Orion Samuelson’s name resonates very much like his signature voice,” said WGN Radio VP/GM Mary Sandberg Boyle. “It’s difficult to articulate the significance of his broadcasting career. While he was the farmer’s champion to be sure, his uniquely informative, friendly style developed broad rapport with everyday listeners as well. A sixty-year relationship with the WGN Radio audience educating us on many things, among them, if you eat, you’re involved in agriculture. A consummate gentleman with an inspirational work ethic, equally at ease with kids in a 4-H competition or presidents. Meeting and working with Orion is a privilege I will forever hold dear.”