Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies (2025)

Willie Nelson and friends share stories of the enigmatic Texan, Ben Dorcy (aka Lovey), an unsung hero who shaped American music history, pioneered an entire profession as the world’s first roadie, and rivaled time itself to keep the show on the road.

Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies (2025) poster

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

Director: Amy Lee Nelson
Genre: Music, Documentary, History
Runtime: 86 min
Release Date:

Cast

Cinematography: Trevor Doyle Nelson, Amy Lee Nelson
Editing: Lana Nelson, Amy Lee Nelson
Production: Ovarian Productions
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Original Language: en

Themes

Music Festivals and Shared Euphoria

Keywords

country music, on the road, live music, touring, outlaw country music, american music, willie nelson, waylon jennings, johnny cash, touring entertainers, roadies, kris kristofferson, willie nelson & family

Trailer

Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies Trailer
More Films by Director: Amy Lee Nelson
More Films in Genre: Music, Documentary, History

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies about?
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
Who directed Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies?
Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies was directed by Amy Lee Nelson.
Who stars in Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies?
Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies stars Ben Dorcy, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson.
How long is Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies?
Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies has a runtime of 1h 26m (86 minutes).
What genre is Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies?
Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies is a Music, Documentary, History film.
Where was Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies produced?
Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies was produced in United States of America.
What are the themes of Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies?
The themes of Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies include: Music Festivals and Shared Euphoria.