05.11.07
Wally McRae: Cowboy and a Poet
Mix equal portions of Montana cowboy and modern society, add a dash of humor, heap on the social commentary– the result is the internationally renowned cowboy and poet, Wally McRae.
Here is a short film with Wally McRae out on his land here in Eastern Montana. Beautiful time of day, sun was setting, and he recited a very powerful poem about the mining in this area. An exclusive and private performance from a true cowboy and poet.
His poem “Reincarnation” has entered the oral tradition of cowboy poetry as a classic recitation and he’s presented his poems to rave reviews at Cowboy Poetry Gatherings and Folklife Festivals nationwide. He has also received the Governor’s Award for the Arts in Montana, was the first cowboy poet to receive the National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Award and was nominated by former President Bill Clinton to serve on the National Council of the Arts.
“Cowboy Magazine” writes “Wally brings humor and insight to anyone who ever… sat on a horse (or wanted to).” and “Western Horseman” says, “His poetry is something like the Montana landscape - the years and wind take away anything that isn’t solid as bedrock. McRae not only knows how to make you listen, he has something to say that’s worth listening to.”
by Spooly, posted on youTube
