A new documentary spotlights the seven-decade-long career of country music’s hardest-working right-hand man. Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies tells the story of Ben Dorcy, known by many as Lovey, who has been described as “the first and oldest roadie who shaped music history.”
Directed by Amy Lee Nelson and Trevor Doyle Nelson, the film takes viewers through the personal challenges Dorcy faced in his early years, and how he became the go-to man behind the scenes for many of country music’s biggest stars, including Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, among others. Waylon Jennings even penned a song in his honor, “Ode to Ben,” reinforcing Dorcy’s impact on those he worked alongside.
“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,” shares Willie Nelson, who shared a long, close friendship with the fellow Texan up until Dorcy’s death in 2017.
“Ben has a shared legacy with all the artists he worked with because he was able to help them create their legacy,” Amy Lee Nelson explains in a statement. “We want as many people as possible to get to know Lovey. I hope audiences come away with a deep appreciation for the folks working behind the scenes in all the ways we don’t usually think about. Let us consider and appreciate the folks who chose vocations where, when they’re really good at their job, they go largely unnoticed.”
On April 27, Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies will make its world premiere at the Texas Theater during the 2025 Dallas International Film Festival, which runs from April 25-May 1. Tickets for the festival, which includes over 120 film screenings along with special Q&A sessions and panels, will go on sale to the general public on Monday, April 7. You can find more information on the event and explore ticketing options by visiting the Dallas International Film Festival’s official website.
Watch the official trailer for Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies below:
