Baxter Black: The Cowboy Poet Who Rode Words Across America
Baxter Black (January 10, 1945 – June 10, 2022) wasn’t just a poet—he was a cowboy, veterinarian, humorist, and one of the most recognized voices in modern cowboy poetry. Known for his wit, insight, and deep understanding of rural and ranching life, Black penned more than 30 books and reached millions through radio, television, and live performances.
His work painted vivid and often hilarious portraits of the American West, blending homespun wisdom with sharp storytelling and infectious charm. From cattle drives to county fairs, Baxter Black gave a voice to the working cowboy—and in doing so, became a beloved figure in Western literature.
Early Life and Cowboy Roots
Born in Brooklyn Naval Hospital in New York City, Baxter Black was raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he cultivated the cowboy spirit that would later define his career. A natural leader, he became president of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and senior class president in high school. He lettered in wrestling and began riding bulls in local rodeos—an early indication of his fearless nature.
His academic path led him to New Mexico State University, followed by Colorado State University, where he earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1969. For the next 13 years, he worked as a large-animal veterinarian, focusing on cattle and horses. It was during this time, traveling the country and swapping stories with ranchers, that Baxter found his true calling as a storyteller.
From Veterinary Practice to Cowboy Poetry Icon
By the early 1980s, Baxter Black’s humorous and heartfelt poems began turning heads across the Western U.S. His transition from veterinarian to full-time entertainer happened naturally. He began performing at events and quickly grew a national following. With over 250 speaking engagements per year during the early days of his poetic career, he became a familiar and beloved presence in rural communities.
Black’s breakout into mainstream media came when he became a regular commentator on NPR’s Morning Edition, where his weekly musings on cowboy life ran for 20 years. His radio show, Baxter Black on Monday, and syndicated column, On the Edge of Common Sense, were picked up by over 150 publications and stations nationwide, solidifying his role as America’s favorite cowboy poet.
A Cowboy’s Voice on Stage and Screen
Beyond the written word, Baxter Black’s presence shined on stage and screen. He hosted “Baxter Black and Friends” on public television and appeared regularly on RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel, entertaining viewers with his unique brand of humor and poetry.
What made Baxter special was his authenticity. He wasn’t just writing about cowboy life—he lived it. Whether performing at rodeos, agricultural conventions, or small-town libraries, he connected with audiences of all backgrounds.
Life in Arizona and Philosophy
Baxter spent his later years in Benson, Arizona, with his wife Cindy Lou, on a ranch where they intentionally kept life simple—no TV, no cell phones, no fax machines. His deep respect for nature, simplicity, and cowboy values was evident in both his lifestyle and his writing.
He once said:
“In spite of all the computerized, digitalized, high-tech innovations of today, there will always be a need for a cowboy.”
When asked why he became a cowboy, his answer was classic Baxter:
“You either are one, or you aren’t. You never have to decide.”
Legacy and Final Years
In late 2021, Baxter Black officially retired from writing and public appearances due to declining health. On June 10, 2022, he passed away at the age of 77 from complications related to leukemia. But his legacy lives on—in books, recordings, and the memories of those who found joy, laughter, and comfort in his work.
His poetry and prose remain essential reading for anyone who loves the West, appreciates cowboy culture, or just enjoys a good story told well.
Baxter Black’s Books of Cowboy Poetry
Here are just a few of Baxter Black’s poetry books that celebrate his wit, wisdom, and storytelling brilliance. Each book is a tribute to the cowboy life—perfect for poetry fans, Western readers, or anyone who appreciates a good laugh:
- Horseshoes, Cowsocks & Duckfeet: More Commentary from the Edge of Common Sense
- A Commotion in Rhyme
- The Buckskin Mare
- Hey, Cowgirl, Need a Ride?
- Croutons on a Cow Pie: The Poetry of Baxter Black
- Cactus Tracks & Cowboy Philosophy
- The World According to Baxter Black
- Poems Worth Saving
- The Back Page: Baxter Black’s Last Book
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Remembering Baxter Black
Whether he was making you laugh with a tale of an ornery mule, reflecting on the beauty of ranch life, or reminding us of the grit and grace of the American cowboy, Baxter Black left a lasting mark on the literary and agricultural communities alike.
His poetry bridged the gap between rural and urban, humor and hardship, past and present. For generations to come, his voice will echo across plains, barns, and back porches everywhere.
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🤠 Want more cowboy poets? Browse our growing collection of Arizona-based poets celebrating Western heritage.