Baxter Black, (born January 10, 1945) is an American cowboy, poet, philosopher, former large-animal veterinarian, and radio commentator.

Black grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was trained as a large-animal veterinarian at New Mexico State University and Colorado State University, but began writing and speaking in the early 1980s. Black left his veterinary career soon afterwards, and since has published over a dozen books of fiction, poetry, and commentary. He is a regular commentator for National Public Radio's Morning Edition, and also hosts a syndicated weekly radio program, Baxter Black on Monday and writes a syndicated weekly newspaper column, "On the Edge of Common Sense."

He currently resides in Benson, Arizona, in the Eastern part of the state. 

 

Baxter, described by the New York Times as '…probably thenation's most successful living poet,"…thinks it's an exaggeration.

This former large animal veterinarian can be followed nationwide through his column, National Public Radio, public appearances, television and also through his books, cd's, videos and commercial radio. Baxter lives in Benson, Arizona, between the Gila River and the Gila monster, the Mexican border and the Border Patrol and between the horse and the cow---where the action is.

He still doesn't own a television or a cell phone, and his idea of a modern convenience is Velcro chaps.
Everything about Baxter is cowboy; his cartoonish mustache, his personality and his poetry. He makes a living shining a spotlight on the flaws and foibles of everyday cowboy life. He demonstrates that it is the truth in his humor that makes it funny.

So, in a nut shell (where some believe he may have evolved) there is considerably more to Baxter than just an entertainer. He is the real thing.

Because, as he says, "It's hard to be what you aren't."