Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story 2007

In the quiet town of Springberry, Alabama, 1946 became a year marked by both tragedy and profound change for young Dewey Cox. An impulsive act led to a devastating accident, leaving his brother Nate with permanent disabilities and Dewey himself suffering a loss of smell. This traumatic event, however, serendipitously awakened within him a remarkable aptitude for blues music, sparked by a fortuitous meeting with a seasoned blues guitarist who imparted his wisdom.

By 1953, Dewey’s fame was beginning to flourish as he captivated audiences with his heartfelt performance of “Take My Hand” during a school talent show. Yet, his father’s disdain for Dewey’s musical dreams resulted in him being cast out of his home. Undeterred, he embarked on an adventure with his young sweetheart Edith, whom he hastily married. Their marriage was soon followed by the joy of welcoming a child.

Performing at an all-African American nightclub, Dewey’s affinity for the blues deepened, especially after stepping in for Bobby Shad. His undeniable talent soon caught the eye of L’Chaim, a Hasidic Jewish record executive, who recognized the potential in the earnest musician. After recording a unique rockabilly version of “That’s Amore”, Dewey faced harsh criticism from a music industry insider. In a bid to heal his wounded spirit, he poured his heart into writing “Walk Hard,” a moving composition inspired by a heartfelt conversation with Edith, which resonated deeply with L’Chaim and launched him into stardom.

The success of “Walk Hard” thrust Dewey into the limelight, immersing him in the world of rock ‘n’ roll extravagance, where he had the privilege of opening for legends like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and The Big Bopper. However, a serendipitous meeting with drummer Sam led Dewey down the path of temptation, beginning with marijuana, fracturing his commitment to Edith. Tragedy struck once more when his father revealed the heartbreaking news of his mother’s passing, all while dancing to one of Dewey’s songs, leading to a whirlwind of guilt and grief.

Struggling to cope, Dewey turned to Sam for solace, only to find himself introduced to the cocaine lifestyle. This new addiction culminated in a chaotic punk rock performance, which mirrored his spiraling life. Amidst this turmoil, he also encountered choir girl Darlene Madison, igniting a series of sultry hits that would mark his career.

Despite reaching great heights musically, Dewey’s personal life was a complicated mess as he married Darlene while still tied to Edith. Both women eventually left him, leaving him to navigate a precarious situation that included run-ins with the law and rehabilitative therapy.

As he traversed the turbulent 1960s counterculture in Berkeley, California, Dewey found new inspiration in the works of Bob Dylan, particularly during a psychedelic journey with The Beatles that blurred the lines between fantasy and reality. Driven to create his magnum opus, Black Sheep, a bold homage to Brian Wilson’s Smile, Dewey’s intense focus pushed his bandmates away and ultimately led to their dissolution. This personal crisis was only exacerbated by Darlene’s exit, leaving him for Glen Campbell.

Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, a visit from the ghost of Nate offered a stern reminder, challenging Dewey’s self-pity and urging him to reclaim his artistic voice. This ghostly intervention became a turning point for Dewey, inspiring him to channel his experiences into fresh songwriting.

As we move into the 1970s, Dewey has evolved into a charismatic television personality, hosting a CBS variety show with great flair. Still, the pressure of crafting a song that meets his mother’s expectations weighs heavily on him. Finally, under Nate’s guidance, Dewey confronts his estranged father—an encounter that spirals into an outrageous machete duel, ultimately leading to heartfelt forgiveness and vital parental wisdom.

Time passes, and Dewey’s life becomes increasingly complex with many illegitimate children vying for his attention. Amidst this chaos, Darlene resurfaces, rekindling emotions long buried within him. Through a newfound realization of life’s true values, Dewey remarries Darlene, reclaiming his lost sense of smell.

As Dewey’s music unexpectedly resonates with audiences again, thanks to the rapper Lil’ Nutzzak sampling “Walk Hard,” an opportunity arises for him to claim a lifetime achievement award. Initially reluctant, Dewey eventually finds the resolve to reunite with his band, culminating in the creation of a final masterpiece—Beautiful Ride, which encapsulates his life’s journey.

This poignant climax reveals Dewey choosing his family’s love over past temptations, resulting in a stunning performance that serves as a testament to the enduring nature of music and the transformative power of personal experiences. The film concludes with a title card detailing Dewford Randolph Cox’s obituary: “1936-2007.” In a touching post-credits moment, a nostalgic black-and-white clip showcases “the actual Dewey Cox, April 16, 2002,” offering a final, bittersweet salute to the enigmatic musician’s legacy.