Secretary of State Meets with Spanish Royalty

Pictured L - R: Doris McBride, Prince Felipe of Spain, Princess Letizia of Spain, Secretary of State - Mary Herrera, and Deputy Secretary of State - Don Francisco Trujillo

Secretary of State Mary Herrera met with Prince Felipe of Spain and his wife, Princess Letizia during their visit celebrating Santa Fe’s 4ooth anniversary. Secretary of State Herrera presented the Prince and Princess with copies of the New Mexico Blue Book which includes historical data from the arrival of the first Spaniards.

The day’s ceremonies included a visit to the New Mexico History Museum, viewing of the exhibit “Tesoros de Devocion,” and a gathering at the Basilica Cathedral de St. Francis of Assisi.

“It was truly an honor to meet and visit with the Prince and Princess,” said Secretary of State Herrera. “New Mexico has enjoyed a lasting relationship with Spain. This is a relationship that will continue for many years to come.”

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Secretary of State Recognizes Historical Recording Studio

The Norman Petty Recording Studio, located in Clovis, New Mexico, was featured in the most recent edition of the state’s Blue Book.

Secretary of State Mary Herrera presented a signed copy of the Blue Book to Kenneth and Shirley Broad, caretakers of the recording studio. She thanked them for their 25 years of tireless dedication to preservation and maintenance of the studio, which they have been doing since Petty’s death in 1984.

Founded by Norman Petty in the early fifties, the studio became a springboard for some who would eventually gain national fame, such as Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Buddy Knox, The Fireballs, and Norman himself.

Holly recorded some of his biggest hits there, including That’ll be the Day, Peggy Sue, It’s so Easy, and Think it Over. Norman and Vi were featured on several of Buddy’s hits.

Ken and Shirley were recognized recently at the Clovis Music Festival by representatives of the “Rock and Roll” Hall of Fame for their preservation and safeguarding of the Norman Petty Recording Studio and the world famous “Clovis Sound.”