Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe 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. Advertisement "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."
