The man who invented the roadie outlived everyone who tried to forget him.
A true story about the unreal life of an unsung country music hero. Ben Dorcy, aka Lovey, the first and oldest roadie, is recognized by the cultural icons who depend on him just as he’s losing his independence. Having outlived all his relatives, Ben learns he can rely on his music family. Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Knoxville, Kinky Friedman, Jamey Johnson, Ann-Margret, and more come together to honor this legend among legends who, unbeknownst to many, shaped Texas and American music history. “King of the Roadies” celebrates all who work to keep the wheels turning behind-the-scenes; and reminds us that with spirit, passion and perseverance, our best days may still be ahead of us if we continue doing what we love. “It’s one thing to have a bunch of good ideas, but to make them work and to put them into action, you need someone like Ben to do it, and he never failed.” – Willie Nelson
Direction
Amy Lee Nelson turns family archive into living eulogy.
Production
Rare footage of Cash, Waylon, and Willie at their most unguarded.
Director
Amy Lee Nelson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Ben Dorcy supposedly invented the term 'roadie' itself, and spent six decades proving it was a real job.
The film quietly documents the last generation of outlaw country royalty—most of these voices are now gone.
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