Black was born in
Brooklyn Naval Hospital,
Brooklyn,
New York, but grew up in
Las Cruces, New Mexico. In high school, he became the
Future Farmers of America (FFA) president, the senior class president, and lettered in wrestling one year. He began riding bulls in
rodeos while in high school, and continued riding throughout college. Black received his undergraduate degree at
New Mexico State University, and completed veterinary school at
Colorado State University, graduating in 1969. He was a practicing veterinarian from 1969 to 1982, specializing in large animals, such as cows and horses. During the last two years of his veterinary career, Black gained popularity through public speaking with over 250 appearances. After this, his career as a poet began. Black also hosted the public television series
Baxter Black and Friends. He wrote a column, spoke on the radio, and had short segments on
RFD-TV and
The Cowboy Channel. He resided in
Benson, Arizona, with his wife, Cindy Lou, where they had no cell phone, television, or fax machine. One of his
philosophies of life claims: "In spite of all the computerized, digitalized, high-tech innovations of today, there will always be a need for a cowboy." When asked what made him decide to become a cowboy, he said, "You either are one, or you aren't. You never have to decide." In late 2021, Black retired from writing and speaking engagements because of health issues. Black's wife, Cindy Lou, reported on January 15, 2022, that he was in hospice care. His son-in-law explained, however, that the hospice consisted of a home health care worker checking on Black every few days because of various medical issues. Black died from leukemia on June 10, 2022, at his residence in
Benson, Arizona, aged 77. == Radio ==