David Nelson

The Tennessee General Assembly designated David Nelson as the official "Cowboy Poet Laureate of Tennessee" in 2004. All Tennessee Poets

From the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, David 'Buffalo Bill' Nelson entertained as a cowboy poet, storyteller, and humorist.

Senate Joint Resolution 722

A RESOLUTION to designate David Nelson as "Cowboy Poet Laureate of Tennessee."

WHEREAS, the timeless legacy of the American Cowboy and his rugged, independent spirit are etched forever on the American character; and

WHEREAS, Cowboy Poetry is one of America's oldest forms of storytelling; it is an art form that entertains by spinning tales in rhyme and meter. The tradition of Cowboy Poetry is as rich as the cowboy lifestyle that gave birth to it; and

WHEREAS, David "Buffalo Bill" Nelson of Townsend, Tennessee, is a renowned spirit are etched forever on the American character; and

WHEREAS, David "Buffalo Bill" Nelson of Townsend, Tennessee, is a renowned Cowboy Poet, storyteller and humorist; and

WHEREAS, a popular performer who entertains young and old alike, David Nelson has appeared at countless events across Tennessee and our great nation, bringing laughter and smiles to thousands; and

WHEREAS, it has been said that David Nelson's cowboy poems and stories resonate with the spirit of all Americans and accurately portray the essence of being a Tennessean; and

WHEREAS, in constant demand, David Nelson has been a headline performer at the Arkansas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the National Cowboy Symposium in Texas and the Charlie Russell Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Montana; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Nelson has performed as an opening act for numerous musical performers such as Billy Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio, Johnny Paycheck and the legendary Tammy Wynette; and

WHEREAS, David Nelson has received extensive local and national media coverage during his career which has included featured appearances and articles in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, on National Public Radio and Florida Public Television; and

WHEREAS, with performances of his show "Cowboy Comedy Hour", David Nelson has provided clean, family entertainment that explains the influence Tennessee had on the great cowboy movements of the 1880s thereby both educating and enchanting his audiences; and

WHEREAS, as an original member of the planning committee of the Department of Tourism in Pigeon Forge, David Nelson was a driving force in the establishment of the "Saddle Up" festival held in Pigeon Forge which annually draws entertainers and audiences from across the country to celebrate the American Cowboy through performances by Cowboy Poets and Western musicians; and

WHEREAS, David Nelson's outstanding contribution to tourism and the quality of life in the Blount County region is respectfully acknowledged by the Blount County Chamber of Commerce and the Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau along with numerous friends and supporters; and

WHEREAS, David Nelson has a "cowboy heart" which is best exemplified by the donation of 15 percent of his earnings from the sales of his CDs and tapes to the Hearts and Hands Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to needy students; and

WHEREAS, this exemplary and talented man of words and deeds has established himself as truly an Ambassador of Goodwill for Tennessee and is especially deserving of the recognition and title of Cowboy Poet Laureate of Tennessee; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that in recognition and appreciation for his laudable service to Tennessee and his numerous contributions to Cowboy Poetry and storytelling in the finest traditions of the American Cowboy, David Nelson is hereby designated as "Cowboy Poet Laureate of Tennessee".