Cowboy Poetry Beginnings | Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering

Step back into the origins of cowboy poetry with this special episode of the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering Podcast. Host Jim Buchanan sits down with longtime friend and cowboy poet Sally Harper Bates, one of the early voices who helped shape the Gathering. Together, they reminisce about ranch get-togethers, the roots of cowboy music and verse, and the people who kept the tradition alive—from kitchen-table storytellers to nationally recognized performers. Along the way, they share memories of the first Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering, the influence of early trail songs, and the legacy of poets and musicians who carried forward the authentic voice of the West.Whether you’re a lifelong fan of cowboy poetry or just discovering its history, this episode brings the heart, humor, and heritage of the Gathering to life.