Bud Strom
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Bud Strom
Hereford's King of Cowboy Poets
The title above was taken from a review by Richard Zoller of one of Bud's shows at the Arizona Folklore Preserve. Richard referred to Bud as "our reigning king of cowboy poetry." That's actually a well-deserved title for a man who has devoted so much of his life to teaching tens of thousands of children, and almost as many adults, what it means to be a cowboy. And Bud teaches in a most entertaining way, through his extraordinary poetry and storytelling, with a wonderful combination of humor and compassion.
Bud named his ranch in Hereford, Arizona, for the rank he achieved in the U.S. Army, Single Star. He retired as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and School at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. While in the Army, he earned a master's degree in education.
Bud got his start as a working cowboy at the age of 15 in Red Lodge, Montana. He had grown up in the Midwest and was orphaned at that very young age. He wrote his first poetry while serving in Vietnam. But it was many years later, while he was stationed at Fort Huachuca, that he took a trip back to Montana that gave him a whole new focus on life.
In 1989, a friend called and asked Bud to participate with him in a huge cattle drive to commemorate Montana's centennial celebration. Bud did participate, and while there, he heard his first cowboy poet, the very best of all, the "Cowboy Poet's Cowboy Poet," Baxter Black. He was hooked, and promptly began writing his own cowboy poetry.
John Shaver had started the Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering in 1993, as a means of celebrating Western heritage in Sierra Vista. Bud became co-chair of the Gathering in 1995, bringing many talents to the table: his background as a cowboy and rancher, his talent as a poet, and his organizational skills. Best of all, he applied his vast experience as an educator, this time using it to benefit the young children in the area. He worked to get them involved in the Gathering, by holding a cowboy poetry writing contest.
The poetry contest developed well under Bud's leadership. Most schools in the county participate, and there are now several thousand children each year who submit their entries. Rewards are scholarships for older children and savings bonds for the younger ones. Winning poets receite their poems during the major stage shows at the Gathering, and at other events as well.
On the Friday morning of the Gathering each year, Bud would send participating cowboy poets and musicians to the schools in an outreach program. The rest of the year, Bud himself would spend much of his time in the schools. The children learn a lot about poetry and ranching. And they gain confidence in themselves as writers and presenters.
Bud retired as Co-Chair after the 2003 Gathering. That September (after the Gathering in February), he traveled to Lubbock, Texas, to perform at the National Cowboy Symposium. But the main purpose for the trip was to accept a prestigious award he and John Shaver and others responsible for the Cochise Gathering had earned: The 2003 Cowboy Culture Event Award.
Bud Strom is still writing poetry, still performing for adoring fans, and still ranching. So far, he has poublished two books of poetry and one CD.
Bud Strom
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