A small town New Mexican artist made his big debut on country music’s most famous stage on Thursday. “Four generations, to have Tyce continuing that on, it means more than words can say to our family,” said Neal Delk.
The KRQE story continues.
What started as a normal gig for artist Tyce Delk and a word of encouragement from his dad quickly became a dream come true for the country and blues musician. “And it’s our honor to make an official announcement of your Grand Ole Opry debut,” announced Neal, as the crowd roared.
A moment filled with emotion, “And I had no clue. It was definitely a shock,” said Tyce, going on to say, “It was kind of emotional just from the start, just because, you know, seeing all them, I noticed that my papa had a little tear in his eye. And so I was like, what is going on?”
Born in Melrose, New Mexico, to a family of musicians dating back to 1934, Tyce picked up a guitar at 19 to continue the legacy. “Uncle Byron plays the bass, Mark plays the drums. Dad could have played guitar, and Papa Joe could have fiddled around on it,” said Tyce.
For Tyce, hearing the words “Grand Ole Opry” in that moment struck a chord, “That’s always been my dream ever since I’ve started doing the music deal.”
And it’s a moment his small town community won’t miss. Around 140 New Mexicans are expected to be in Nashville to catch his big debut. “Time and money is some of our most valuable things. And the fact that they’re willing to spend that money to come support me, it definitely hits me right in the chest and I’m thankful for it,” said Tyce.
Tyce plans on signing an original song he wrote for one of his best friends who passed away in a farming accident earlier this year. “That song just got a special place in my heart. And so I’m going to do that one and hopefully can hold it together. Probably not, but we’ll see.”
And while the venue is nerve-wracking, he’ll be looking out into a crowd of friends and family.
“Just hearing my pop say just how proud he is of me, stuff like that. That was pretty special.”
