By Bob Kaufman, Alaska.org Founder
A Legendary Alaskan, A Legendary Voice
In 2011, I invited Buckwheat Donahue to Anchorage to record a collection of Robert Service’s poetry–some of his favorites, some of mine.
He stood alone in a large recording room, microphone in front of him. Oversized headphones cupped his ears, so he could hear every [up and down of his intonation] as he spoke. I was on the other side of the glass, watching him through the studio window, marveling at how he was able to recite all these poems from memory.
Watching Buckwheat recite Robert Service was like watching art. He had a rich voice, and he spent years performing these poems in bars, in theaters, at tourism industry events. He could do them in his sleep.
And then something amazing happened.
The Moment Buckwheat Forgot a Line
We were halfway through The Cremation of Sam McGee, a poem he must have recited a thousand times in front of live audiences. And suddenly—he paused.
A look of concern overtook his face. I didn’t know what had gone wrong. Then his head dropped. He was shaken.
He forgot the next line.
For Buckwheat, reciting these poems wasn’t just something he did. It was part of who he was.
My heart dropped as I watched Buckwheat’s dejected posture. Do I offer comforting words? Or will that just worsen the moment? I hesitated just long enough. Moments later, Buckwheat picked his head back up, resumed, and absolutely nailed the remaining recordings.
Buckwheat was famous for having a booming howl, like a wolf. He would do it at parties. If you listen closely, you’ll hear him incorporate it into The Cremation of Sam McGee.
The Voice of Alaska’s Gold Rush Poetry
Buckwheat had a larger-than-life presence, and a way of making you feel like you were sitting around a prospector’s campfire, hanging on every word. But Buckwheat wasn’t just a performer. He was one of the great characters of Alaska tourism. He ran the Skagway Convention and Visitors Bureau for 16 years, making sure people from around the world felt the magic of this place.
He walked 5,300 miles across America—from Miami to Whitehorse—and paddled 2,200 miles down the Yukon River to raise money for a clinic in Skagway. He co-founded the Yukon River Quest, the North Words Writers Symposium, and if you ever went to an Alaska tourism conference, you probably heard his signature howl.
I miss Buckwheat.
The Poems We Chose
When we decided to record this series, it was a mix of both his favorites and mine. Of course, The Cremation of Sam McGee had to be on the list. That was his classic.
But there was one poem I absolutely had to have him read—The Joy of Being Poor.
That poem takes me back to my early days in Alaska when I was doing lightweight backpacking and river trips. I carried only the bare essentials, just enough freeze dried food to get by, no luxuries like a camp chair or tent, and sometimes my inflatable packraft would double as my mattress. But I was living it. In my own way, I was living the life of simple pleasures that Robert Service described in that poem.
What These Poems Reveal About Alaska
Robert Service didn’t just write about the Gold Rush. He captured something deeper—something that still defines Alaska today. His poetry speaks to the spirit of this place, to the kind of people who are drawn here, and to the landscapes that shape them.
Whether you’re exploring the Yukon, hiking in Denali, or watching the northern lights dance over an endless sky, these poems will help you feel what Alaska is all about.
The Call of the North – Poems like The Spell of the Yukon capture the deep, almost spiritual pull that Alaska has on those who come here. Many who arrive never leave—drawn in by the land, the freedom, and the vastness.
The Frontier Mentality – Service’s poems reflect the tough, independent spirit of those who carve out a life in the North. Whether it’s the restless dreamers in The Men Who Don’t Fit In or the rugged survivors in The Shooting of Dan McGrew, the people he wrote about still resemble the modern Alaskan mindset.
Survival and Hardship – The Cremation of Sam McGee is more than a darkly funny tale—it perfectly describes the bone-cracking cold of an Alaskan winter and the extreme conditions early pioneers faced. Even today, life in Alaska can be unforgiving, and that same grit and endurance still define those who live here.
Alaska’s Boom-and-Bust History – Service was writing during the Gold Rush era, but his themes of fortune-seeking, big risks, and big losses still resonate. Alaska has always attracted those chasing something bigger, whether it’s gold, oil, or a way of life off the beaten path.
The Beauty and Loneliness of the Land – Service’s poetry isn’t just about people—it’s about the landscapes that shape them. His descriptions of snow older than history, endless forests, and roaring rivers reflect the untamed wilderness that still defines Alaska today.
The Contrasts of Life Here – The Joy of Being Poor speaks to something every traveler here feels—the paradox of living with less, yet experiencing more. Many who come to Alaska for adventure realize that the best moments aren’t about luxury, but about the raw, simple beauty of being surrounded by nature.
Now, I want to share them with you.
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Points of Interest
More than just the poet of the Gold Rush, Robert Service captured the spirit of the North — its beauty, its brutality, and the people drawn to it. Buckwheat Donahue introduces us to the man behind the words, his struggles, and the lasting impact of his work.
Before diving into this haunting tale, listen as Buckwheat Donahue explains the meaning behind key frontier slang, like ‘sourdough’ and ‘cheechako,’ and how they still live on in Alaskan culture today. His insights add depth to this already chilling story.
In this introduction, Buckwheat Donahue connects Service’s humor back to his British and Scottish roots. He explains how Service’s background shaped his ability to weave wit and charm into even the most unexpected situations — like the predicament in ‘Bessie’s Boil.’
Robert Service had a knack for spinning humor out of everyday hardships, and this poem is a perfect example. ‘Bessie’s Boil’ is a playful, slightly absurd tale with a punchline that still lands over a century later. Buckwheat Donahue’s animated reading makes it all the more entertaining.
A rare glimpse into the softer side of Robert Service, ‘Maternity’ is a heartfelt reflection on motherhood, written through the eyes of a woman working in the Red Light District. Buckwheat Donahue delivers this piece with tenderness and depth, reminding us of Service’s ability to capture the human experience beyond the frontier stereotypes.
Buckwheat Donahue calls this the best thing Robert Service ever wrote — and he makes a compelling case. Before the performance, he shares why this poem resonates with those who live in Alaska, from the midnight sun to the endless rivers that carve through the land.
Why does the North pull people in and never let go? ‘The Spell of the Yukon’ is one of Service’s most evocative works, capturing the land’s magnetic beauty, its call to the restless, and the grandeur of its vast wilderness. Buckwheat Donahue’s deep, reverent voice makes you feel every word.
How did Sam McGee become famous? The real story is even stranger than fiction. Buckwheat Donahue explains how Service picked the name at random — and how, decades later, the real Sam McGee was interviewed about his unintended literary legacy.
Robert Service’s most famous poem, brought to life by legendary Alaskan storyteller Buckwheat Donahue. Feel the bone-chilling cold, the desperation of the narrator, and the dark humor that has made ‘The Cremation of Sam McGee’ one of the most beloved frontier ballads ever written.
Buckwheat Donahue explains the historical meaning of ‘harpy’ and how Robert Service’s poem challenges frontier stereotypes. This intro adds depth before you hear the performance.
A woman on the fringes of frontier life, struggling to survive in a world built for men. ‘The Harpy’ tells a story rarely heard in the rough-and-tumble tales of the North. Buckwheat Donahue’s performance brings depth and nuance to this powerful piece.
Adventure over luxury. This poem celebrates the simple life, and Buckwheat Donahue’s performance takes you straight to the heart of the wilderness.
Some men are born restless. Robert Service understood them, and Buckwheat Donahue gives them a voice in this stirring recital.
What makes ‘The Shooting of Dan McGrew’ one of Robert Service’s most famous works? Buckwheat Donahue sets the stage for this classic tale of risk and revenge.
A saloon. A gambler. A dangerous woman. Hear Buckwheat Donahue deliver this thrilling, classic ballad of betrayal and revenge.
Some people are just rotten. ‘Yellow’ is one of Service’s most chilling poems — a short but unforgettable story of cowardice and betrayal. Buckwheat Donahue’s performance makes sure you feel every ounce of its weight.