The ‘King of the Roadies’ Ben Dorcy III Has Passed Away

Ben Dorcy III, also known as “Lovey” or the “King of the Roadies” has passed away at the age of 92.

Ben H. Dorcy III was born on May 19, 1925 in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in San Antonio, Texas and attended Jefferson High School. Ben first ventured into the entertainment industry in 1940 working for the Ice Capades, which was a traveling entertainment show featuring performances on ice rinks. Ben worked with the Ice Capades and traveled throughout the United States and Europe during the years 1940 through 1943. In 1943 Ben enlisted in the Navy where he served his country for three years, completing his service in 1946 as a seaman. He was soon to return to the world of entertainment.

During the years 1950 through 1953 Ben met and began working for Hank Thompson. Shortly thereafter he was introduced to Willie Nelson.

Ben met Willie at John T. Floore’s Country Store. In addition to Willie and Hank Thompson, Ben also worked on and off with Ray Price.

While traveling, Ben fell in love with California and moved to Hollywood. He took a job as a delivery boy for Nudie Rodeo Taylor, the man who “Set Rhinestones in Fashion History.” It was at this time (1962-1965) that Ben met John Wayne. Wayne took a liking to Ben, whom he met at Nudie’s shop and hired him first as a gardener, and later as his chauffeur. Although Ben loved working for Wayne, he longed to return to the music business.

Ben moved to Nashville. While in Nashville, Ben reunited with Hank Thompson, Willie Nelson, and Ray Price. It was during this time Ben met Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson. Ben worked in turn for each of these musicians.

Ben had a gypsy soul and a heart has big as Texas, hence his nickname, ‘Lovey.’ Ultimately, he returned to central Texas and became immersed in country music with acts that included Merle Haggard, Jerry Jeff Walker and David Allan Coe, to name a few.

RIP Lovey