N.M. adds 4th official song

SANTA FE, N.M., March 26 (UPI) -- New Mexico now has a state cowboy song to add to its state song, state Spanish-language song and state ballad.

Gov. Bill Richardson signed a bill this week that gives the honor to "Under New Mexico Skies" by Syd Masters, the Las Cruces Sun-News reported. Masters, a native of Wisconsin, has lived in New Mexico since the age of 17 and says that his grandfather was a cowhand in the state before that.

"Oh Fair New Mexico," written by Elizabeth Garrett, daughter of Sheriff Pat Garrett, became the state song in 1917. In 1971, the state added a Spanish-language song, "Asi Es Nuevo Mexico," and the ballad, "Land of Enchantment" in 1989.

"It's a pretty big deal," Masters said. "'Oh Fair New Mexico' was written by the daughter of Pat Garrett. It's good company to be in for a guy who plays old cowboy songs -- that's a pretty big thing."

Masters heads the swing band "Syd Masters and the Swing Riders."