THE NEW MEXICO MUSIC COMMISSION

The New Mexico Music Commission includes some of the top artists in the music industry like country music star and New Mexico residents Randy Travis and Dr. Lee Berk. All of the members on the Commission have strong ties to New Mexico, and together represent a cross-section of the industry as diverse as our population—country, rap, classical, mariachi, folk, and Native American. The commissioners are volunteers, appointed by Governor Bill Richardson.

In April 2005, Governor Bill Richardson signed an executive order establishing the first New Mexico Music Commission. "New Mexico has a rich and treasured musical tradition. Diverse and vibrant, it is time to recognize the contributions of the thousands of New Mexico musicians and to work with them to preserve our heritage, promote continued creativity and assist the state's music industry in reaching its full potential," Governor Richardson said.

The Music Commission will work throughout the state and with other state agencies like the Tourism and Film Departments to promote the many New Mexico musical traditions spanning from the ancient melodies of New Mexico's Native nations, tribes and pueblos, to the chart topping current hits of New Mexico resident and country music star Randy Travis to the thousands of of Mariachi musicians.

"Thanks to Governor Richardson, our multitalented musicians will now have more opportunities to work with our expanding movie industry in New Mexico and this will broaden the economic opportunities for artists statewide," said Loie Fecteau, executive director of New Mexico Arts. "It is fitting that the state that was instrumental in the formative era of rock and roll—Buddy Holly was among the musicians to record at the Norman Petty studio in Clovis—will once again be front and center in the music world."