The roots of the Delk Band run deep in the rich soil of Southwest culture, beginning with my father, Forrest Delk. At just 17, he took to the stage in 1934, playing for dances that brought communities together. One memorable trip to Apache Grove, Arizona, for an Arizona cattlemen's gathering changed everything. A sudden downpour flooded the draws, trapping Daddy and his band, the “Sunshine Boys,” for a long, restless night. From that day forward, he was affectionately known as “Fiddlin’ Forrest Delk and His Gully Jumpers.”
Growing up alongside my siblings, Linda and Jimmy, we spent our weekdays in school and our weekends working on the ranch—cattle, trail cleaning, and fence fixing—before heading out to our dad's dances on Saturday nights. Music was more than just entertainment for our family; it was a lifeline for the rural communities in the Southwest, woven into the fabric of our lives.
My musical journey began at age 10 when I joined the school orchestra, playing the violin. By the time my brother and I officially joined the “Gully Jumpers” around 1960, music was already an integral part of our lives.
In 1968, I married my wife, Diane, and we settled back at the ranch near Santa Rita, New Mexico, shortly after I completed school. Our family home, located near the iconic Kneeling Nun landmark, was a hub of activity. In 1971, my father and neighbor Leedrue Eby acquired the 2C Ranch, and Diane and I moved to the Lampbright Camp there.
Our family continued to grow, with our sons Neal, Mark, and Byron arriving in the early ’70s. They inherited our ranching lifestyle, learning the ropes of cattle work, windmills, and corrals. Music was always present in our home, and it wasn’t long before Mark expressed his desire to play the drums at just 7 years old. Neal, along with his friend Robert Flowers, found a passion for guitar, ignited by their inspiring instructor, Mr. Brown.
With me on fiddle, Neal on guitar, Mark on drums, and Byron stepping in on bass, the foundation for our family band was set. Thus, the Delk Band was born—a continuation of a legacy that began with my father, celebrating the spirit of dance and community that has defined our family for generations.
The journey of the Delk Band began on an unforgettable night, July 10, 1984, at the annual "Pickup Party" in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. I still vividly remember the moment we took the stage—me, with my three boys, ages 14, 13, and 11, standing on the bandstand, ready to embark on our first dance gig. The weight of that moment settled heavily on my shoulders; after all, we had no singer, and it was entirely instrumental fiddle music.
As I glanced over the crowd, anticipation mixed with anxiety flooded through me. I wondered, “What am I doing?” With just my fiddle and three young boys who were still learning their craft, I felt an overwhelming wave of nerves wash over me. My hands began to shake uncontrollably as I prepared to play "Maiden’s Prayer" to kick off the night.
With the crowd buzzing in anticipation, I positioned the fiddle under my chin. I took a deep breath, glanced at Mark to ensure he was ready, and drew the bow across the “D” string. As I played that first note, my nervousness manifested in an erratic bowing motion, causing the bow to bounce wildly on the string. It was far from graceful, but the music had to continue.
Somehow, we made it through that first song, and in doing so, we began a remarkable journey of playing for dances that stretched from Van Horn, Texas, to Tucson, Arizona, and throughout New Mexico. Each performance was a new adventure, teaching us the nuances of connecting with an audience and the energy that comes from live music.
In the summer of 1988, we made the move to Las Cruces, where our weekends became filled with dances at venues like Dickerson's Barn and Corbett Center on the New Mexico State University campus. We also played at the Hanover Outpost in Grant County and various county fairgrounds across the region. Each location brought its own flavor, and we thrived on the diversity of our audience.
In March of 1993, we took a significant step by putting the band on the road. Chek Rippee joined us on fiddle, and the Delk Brothers Band was formed. With Neal, Mark, Byron, Chek, and later Robert Flowers and Phil Evatt, we were ready to hit the stages across the Southwest. The lineup evolved over time as Robert and Phil returned to pursue other careers, making way for Tucker Looney and Ty Martin to join our ranks.
The Delk Brothers Band quickly became crowd favorites in various venues, from Cowboys in Las Cruces to Cadillac Ranch in Albuquerque. We performed at Rodeo Nights in Santa Fe, the Top Deck in Farmington, and numerous other lively spots like the Bootheel in Clovis and Dillons in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Each performance was filled with energy, laughter, and the joy of dancing, solidifying our reputation as a beloved local band.
However, while the experience was exhilarating, it also proved physically and mentally exhausting. The financial rewards were modest, often barely covering our expenses. Our last performance as the Delk Brothers Band took place at Cadillac Ranch in December 1995, marking the end of an incredible chapter in our musical journey.
Reflecting on those early days, it’s clear that our passion for music and community spirit has always driven us forward. Each dance taught us something new, and every note played deepened our connection as a family and as musicians.
In keeping with our ranching heritage, The Delk Band continues to thrive as the Headquarters Crew, East Camp Crew, or West Camp Crew, depending on where we’re needed. Neal and the East Camp Crew are the busiest, performing regularly in the Clovis and Portales area. The West Camp Crew takes care of events on the western side of the state, while the Headquarters Crew still gets the chance to play from time to time.
If only the boy's grandpa, Forrest, could see the legacy his music has inspired. He would be so proud of what they’ve achieved.
As we celebrate 2024, we mark an incredible milestone: 90 consecutive years of a dance band in the Delk Family. It’s hard to believe that the boys and I have been playing for dances for over 40 years. What a remarkable journey it has been!
—Joe Delk