Duane Lee Nelson, born and raised in North Dakota, moved to Oregon as a teen-ager and has lived in the NorthWest ever since. Been in ag related business all his life, from cleaning stalls to selling ranch supplies to running grain elevators to wrangling dudes.  Now retired and lives on a wheat and cattle ranch near The Dalles, Oregon with his wife Lori. Between them they have six children and six grandchildren. Takes care of a small cow-calf herd and cowboys for as many local ranches as possible.

Started writing and reciting Cowboy Poetry about the turn of the century (21st, NOT 20th!!!) and has opened for such performers as Dave Stamey, Juni Fisher, RJ Vandygriff, and Waddie Mitchell, among others. Finished in Second Place at the Kanab Cowboy Poetry Rodeo in the Reciter: Serious, Risind Star Division. Won the Rising Star Division at the 2014 Kamloops Cowboy Festival, and is one of the five finalists for Male Poet of the Year WMA in 2016 and 2017. In addition, Duane's CD "Cowboy Lonesome" (ToeTapping Tommy Tucker, award winning Western DJ: "....One hell of an album!") was nominated for Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year 2016, WMA. Duane continuers to recite at numerous Gatherings across the country, entertaining people all over with his dynamic presentation of cowboy poetry, old and new.

So, now you know all about Cowboy Poet Duane Lee Nelson, whom multi-award winning Australian Bush Poet Carol Huechan calls "one of the very best reciters around...". But to really know the heart and soul of the man, well, you'll just have to figure out a way to hear him present his poetry, whether at a large Gathering someplace, or just stop into the ranch for a visit.

Talents: Poet

Awards:

• 2016 Poetry Contest

Nominations:

• 2023 Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year Nominee
• 2019 Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year Nominee