Cowboy poet Baxter Black retires




Baxter Black

Baxter Black

Baxter Black, contributor to the Pleasanton Express for several years, announced his retirement at the end of 2021. The Pleasanton Express was one of 13 newspapers in Texas and over 100 in the U.S. and Canada to publish his weekly column, “On the Edge of Common Sense.”

Baxter follows his own advice to others, and writes about what he knows. Those who live the cowboy way of life can relate to his tales and anecdotes, but even those who don’t are entertained by his comical way of getting his thoughts across. Even when he’s serious, such as in his video “Women and Horses,” you can catch a hint of his unique personality and wit.

Baxter was born in a naval hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Jan. 10, 1945, and grew up in Las Cruces, N.M.

In high school, he was FFA president and reporter, was senior class president and even lettered in wrestling. He also rode bulls in high school which he continued to do through college.

While working as a tech veterinarian, Baxter was also doing some speaking gigs on the side. He lost his job when the company he worked for changed ownership, but the speaking opportunities continued. He began writing poems in his 30s.

A veterinarian turned poet may seem like a peculiar career shift, but the zany spin he puts reallife experiences attracted a multitude of fans. “Baxterize” is the word he used to describe his natural and distinctive way with words.

The first of Baxter’s columns ever published was in 1980 in the Record Stockman in Denver, Colo. Forty years later, his columns were being printed in newspapers across the country and beyond. His commentaries have been heard on over 60 radio stations in the state, not to mention the many throughout the U.S. and Canada. Once upon a time, he was on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and has sold over a million books and other products.

Visitors to his website can find a biography, a portion of which reads, “Baxter Black is a cowboy poet, former large animal veterinarian and entertainer of the agricultural masses. As he puts it, ‘He has a narrow following, but it’s deep!’ For over 25 years he has traveled the U.S. and Canada, scattering his wit and left-handed observations to folks looking for a bright spot in their day.”

His short videos can be viewed on his website where fans can also purchase books, ebooks, audio books, CDs, DVDs and greeting cards. Baxter’s website will be revamped so his fans are encouraged to keep checking back for updates. Visit www.BaxterBlack.com.

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