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Sally Harper Bates has been involved in cowboy poetry since she was nine years old. She grew up on ranches where her Dad worked and with little radio and no TV for several years, the family depended upon books and their own musical abilities to entertain themselves. They invited friends over for potluck dinners and jam sessions on many occasions, and she learned old cowboy songs from family and friends. She read poetry from her Grandmother's library, and being home-schooled she borrowed many books to fulfill her reading obligations. She began writing her own poetry and music at the age of 12, learning to play the guitar with help from her Dad and an old Chet Atkins chord chart. She's never stopped writing poetry and music, and this year finished a new album that holds the memories of family history, personal experiences and an "overview" of life in the West. Canyons of My Heart is a collection of songs, poetry and memories that took a lifetime to create.
Her 21 year involvement with the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering has been a labor of love, giving many years to keep the culture and heritage of cowboy poetry and music alive and well in a town that birthed a great deal of those kinds of creations from many gifted artists. She's participated in many Gatherings in other states, and has been to many of the Durango events.
Her own family history is full of music and the love of words, and all her sisters and brother play music, sing and share the same love of the heritage of growing up in the livestock industry. Her four Grandchildren are involved with horses and rodeo, as well as helping on a family ranch belonging to their in-laws. They all love music, write poetry, and seem to be just as intent on keeping the cowboy lifestyle a big part of their lives.
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