OKLAHOMA CITY – Cyril rancher Jay Snider will serve as Oklahoma’s State Poet Laureate in 2023-24.
Snider is an award-winning cowboy poet and recording artist who has appeared at national and regional events. He is widely recognized in the Oklahoma cowboy poetry community and is a frequent contributor to programs presented by the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan.
He was appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt to succeed Joe Kreger of Tonkawa, the 2021-22 poet laureate.
In 2001 Snider was chosen by CowboyPoetry.com as their fifth Lariat Laureate – awarded to poets whose work celebrates and preserves stories honoring Western heritage and the work of ranching and rural life.
He earned the Cowboy Poetry Recording of the Year award from the Academy of Western Artists in 2006 for his CD, “Of Horses and Men.” He was recognized again by the Academy in 2008 as Cowboy Poet of the Year. His latest album, “The Old Tried and True,” is a compilation of his favorite poems written by cowboy poets of the past.
Born and raised in a ranching and rodeo family in southwestern Oklahoma, Snider rodeoed as a young man. He raises ranch horses and cattle and participates in team roping.
Snider said he is honored by the appointment.
“The great state of Oklahoma has a rich history, and much of our heritage has been passed down through generations as oral history and through the writings of great authors,” he said. “I have been fascinated by the storytellers of the past, the ‘Old Timers’, if you will. I felt the need to listen to those stories and hopefully keep them alive. Often, when the ‘Old Timers’ are gone, the stories are gone. Poetry has helped keep the old stories alive. Through the Oklahoma Poet Laureate position, I can continue to promote all types of poetry and storytelling in Oklahoma.”
Snider has appeared at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Nevada, the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering, and the Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering. He was a featured poet at the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering for many years.
“Oklahomans everywhere will connect with Jay’s poetry and stories as someone who fully embodies the spirit of the American West and cowboy way of life,” Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples said. “Jay has received numerous recognitions throughout his years of writing, recording, and presenting poetry, but perhaps most compelling is how highly he came recommended by many people across the state. We look forward to working with Jay as we offer funding to schools and organizations interested in bringing the Oklahoma State Poet Laureate to their community.”
The tradition of officials conferring poets laureate to make public appearances and promote a greater appreciation of poetry originated hundreds of years ago. A U.S. Poet Laureate is appointed by the Librarian of Congress. Tulsa resident Joy Harjo, the first Native American and Oklahoman to hold the position, recently completed an unprecedented third term as U.S. Poet Laureate.
Oklahoma’s poets laureate tradition dates back to 1923. The appointment of an Oklahoma State Poet Laureate by the governor was codified into state law in 1994. The statute calls for an appointment every two years.
The state Arts Council solicits and facilitates recommendations for the honorary position. The agency supports the work of the Oklahoma State Poet Laureate by promoting their work and making grants available to eligible entities to present readings and programs featuring the laureate. Organizations and schools interested in presenting Snider can learn more at arts.ok.gov.