As detailed in a 2019 Valencia County News-Bulletin feature, Bo Diddley fell in love with New Mexico after shooting the film "Crush Proof" with actor Dennis Hopper in the state. A California earthquake convinced Diddley to take up residence in the town of Peralta in Valencia County, New Mexico, in 1971. Diddley, his wife Kay, and their children Terri, Tammy, and Anthony lived in Peralta for around seven years. Diddley loved the relaxed lifestyle in the small New Mexico community, telling the News-Bulletin, "Everything's just kind of groovy here, you know? Everybody's not running and ripping, knocking each other down."

Diddley tried his hand at ranching and owned 11 show and quarter horses, cows, chickens, ducks, and sheep, but music remained his passion. He built a recording studio constructed of adobe on his farm and lent his years of experience to help local musicians.

Hoping to make a difference in the community, Diddley joined the Valencia County Citizens' Patrol as a deputy and personally bought three squad cars for the sheriff's department. "He loved it," daughter Tammi told the News-Bulletin. "He loved playing sheriff, he loved the community ... He had a soft spot for law enforcement." As a volunteer deputy, Diddley enjoyed working with young people and educating kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. When asked about his stint in law enforcement, Diddley told The New York Times, "Well, somebody's got to do it."

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