I have been a big fan of Baxter Black for many years. I have several of his books laying around here and have greatly enjoyed his columns, articles, videos and such. He sold something like 2 Million copies of his work.

I think the first time I heard of him was when I saw a title "Croutons On A Cow-Pie" and was intrigued.

What an extraordinary story teller he was, one of a kind.

He was a large animal Veterinarian for some years then found great success doing what he did, inform and entertain us.

To me, he was sort of like a Paul Harvey or Andy Rooney, in some sort of way. Sharp mind, razor sharp wit, and full of life experiences to share. A totally humble and unpretentious man, that's how to live, in my book.

If you knew who he was and his work, no words are necessary, and if you don't know who he was, no words can describe, you just have to delve into his life experiences he shared with us.

LINK to Baxter Black
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This message has been edited. Last edited by: OKCGene,

I saw Baxter Black live. It was a great evening… That was at least three decades ago.

My wife thought that was a bit odd for me to enjoy cowboy poetry, but I loved it.

Glad to see him honored here

It's been a long time since I heard that name. Sorry to hear he's gone, but he entertained many people over many years, so a life well lived--twice over, one might say, since he was a cattle doc before he was a poet.

You’re a fool if you don’t watch this.

Small aside. Waddie Mitchell opens with a poem from Prescott, Arizona’s, Gail Gardner, probably best known for his poem, “Tying a Knot in the Devil’s Tail,” which has been put to music. I have a copy of Gardner’s book of cowboy poetry called, “Orejana Bull.” They weren’t expensive (soft cover) and I used to give them away. The copy I have now I bought sometime in the early 80s. Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting him, he was quite elderly by this time, and I believe wheelchair bound. I mailed him my copy of Orejana Bull, asked him to sign it, and included a self-addressed and stamped envelope. He did sign it to me personally, and it’s a prized possession (albeit insignificant to most of you).

The point of this post is Baxter Black, his recent death is the reason Waddie and Baxter’s appearance on Johnny Carson is out there. You’ll see and hear just why he was so treasured by the cowboy culture. “Cowboy Culture.” I’m forever tainted by my career in the federal government, but I’d like to think I was semi-successful in it because I had acquired at least a modicum of cowboy culture.

I too saw him live and got to briefly talk to him after the show.

So sad to hear. America has lost a treasure.

He was more, much more, than a funny guy. He said things that we all should hear and take to heart. Here are just 2 out of many that I took to heart.

So sad to hear this. He appeared often on RFD TV. Truly one of a kind and an American treasure. RIP

Thanks, Gene

I will miss Baxter Black. He was quite a fellow. RIP.

We need a LOT more Americans like him, and this Country would be a far better place to live.

And he had a bodacious mustache. My favorite is "Cactus Tracks".

Thank you for this. Sounds like he was one of the good ones.

Thank you for introducing me to him. I'll be going down this rabbit hole!

Another great Cowboy Poet was my friend (Brigadier General USA Retired) and owner of Single Star Ranch in Hereford AZ, Bud Strom. Bud was a driving force behind the Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering in Sierra Vista Arizona. I could tell you many stories about Bud. RIP Bud.

Listened to him on the radio often while driving home from work.

Fine man.

I have laughed so much!!!