Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
A former veterinarian, Baxter Black was raised in Las Cruces. (Courtesy photo)
According to the Washington Post, “he could make a dead man sit up and laugh.” The New York Times describes him as “probably the nation’s most successful living poet.” Baxter Black says he just wants to be remembered as “someone who didn’t embarrass his friends.”
A former veterinarian, Black said he stumbled onto his career as a cowboy poet and humorist by accident.
“I thought I was a song writer,” said Black, who will perform March 5 at Eastern New Mexico University.
The show will serve as a fund-raiser for Miss Rodeo New Mexico Brittany Bennett.
As Miss Rodeo, Bennett is required to organize a fund-raiser to help pay for expenses during her rodeo promotional tour that ends with the National Miss Rodeo competition at the National Finals Rodeo in December.
“(Baxter Black) is known all around the nation,” said Alissa Mullins, who help organize the fund-raiser for her sister. “We saw him when we were little and thought he was funny and someone everyone could relate to.”
Black said he mostly speaks at agricultural banquets, but does several fund-raisers as well. He said while he can’t perform at every benefit he’s asked to do, Black felt Brittany’s cause was something he could help with and expects a good turn out at the event March 5.
“It will be nice to be back in New Mexico,” said Black who was raised in Las Cruces, but currently resides in Arizona. “It’s going to be fun. I also look forward to meeting the potential queen.”
Black is an irregular commentator on National Public Radio. He writes a weekly column, which currently appears in more than 100 publications.
Baxter Black, cowboy humorist
• What: Fund-raising event for Miss Rodeo New Mexico
• When: 7 p.m. March 5
• Where: Campus Union Ballroom at Eastern New Mexico University
• Cost: $20
• Tickets can be purchased at The Citizens Bank of Clovis, 421 Pile, and the Portales Chamber of Commerce
• Information: Beverly Bennett, 356-5516
Source: Portales Chamber of Commerce
On the Web
Read about Baxter Black online at:
