Rockie Lynne | Where I Belong
Rockie Lynne | Where I Belong Documentary
Rockie Lynne – Where I Belong
Logline
Timing is everything. That theme permeates singer/songwriter and North Carolina native Rockie Lynne’s life. Our documentary “Rockie Lynne – Where I Belong” illuminates Rockie’s distinguished Americana music career, an unwavering dedication to his national non-profit, Tribute to the Troops,” the heartwarming, sometimes astonishing search for his original family; and his work with aspiring young musicians across the country from his studio in the small town of Statesville, NC. There’s never been a better time to appreciate this inspiring, all-American story of dedication, resilience, and redemption.
Rockie Lynne – Where I Belong
Synopsis
Timing is everything. That theme permeates singer/songwriter and North Carolina native Rockie Lynne’s life. Our documentary “Rockie Lynne – Where I Belong” illuminates Rockie’s distinguished Americana music career, an unwavering dedication to his national non-profit, Tribute to the Troops,” the heartwarming, sometimes astonishing search for his original family; and his work with aspiring young musicians across the country from his studio in the quaint small town of Statesville, NC. There’s never been a better time to appreciate this inspiring, all-American story of dedication, resilience, and redemption.
The story begins with Rockie left at the door of a Barium Springs, NC orphanage. He was adopted at age two by a Southern Baptist family of limited means. He dearly loved his mom and later wrote his touching ballad “More” to honor her. Neither parent really understood his burning desire to pursue a career in music, encouraging him instead to “get a real job”. But Rockie persisted, borrowing a guitar from his Uncle buying a cheap record player at a yard sale. He taught himself to play, and appeared on local stages, mostly with jazz and rock bands.
After high school, Rockie joined the Army. His experiences as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg helped him mature into a confident, principled individual. After his military service, Rockie headed for Los Angeles to attend the Guitar Institute of Technology on the GI bill, where he learned music theory and techniques. He played with “hair bands” during this timeframe, at the hottest local clubs.
When grunge/alternative began to eclipse hard rock, Rockie moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where his friend Mike Shane encouraged him to transition from rock to country. He played with Mike’s band and recorded some songs in Nashville with various acts such as the McCarter Sisters and Noel Haggard. But Rockie wanted to play his own songs, and he was writing feverishly. He once again hit the road, playing honky-tonks and selling self-published CDs. At least he was now the “front man” and could play original material.
Rockie eventually settled in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where he built a solid fan base. Rockie and his friend Greg Schmitt created Tribute to the Troops, an organization which honors Gold Star families. Tribute has grown to national status, with chapters in several states. During annual events, large groups of veterans and supporters drive to a series of gold star homes to present the families with a plaque, and exchange heartfelt words and hugs.
Being at the “right place at the right time” resulted in his discovery by an important music executive, when he was playing at a modest bar outside Minneapolis. He was invited to audition for Universal CEO Doug Morris in NYC, who immediately signed him to the label. Rockie’s self-titled debut album was released in 2006. Billboard named him its artist “most likely to succeed”, and he was chosen “breakout artist” by Good Morning America. The album spun out two top-40 hits, including “Lipstick” and “Do We Still.” He performed on national TV shows, and 14 times at the Grand Ole Opry. At age 39, it seemed his career was launched toward the stratosphere.
Rockie settled in Nashville, where he met and married Susan Levy, a Vice President of Universal South. But as often happens in the fickle music business, Rockie’s label suddenly went dark and he found himself without a recording contract. Renowned producer Tony Brown tells us that one of his personal career regrets is that he did not release the ballad “More” first – a mistake he feels impacted Rockie’s success chances.
Rockie continued to tour and record, releasing a string of independent albums. He released “Songs for Soldiers”, a collection of songs inspired by American service men and women. Some of Rockie’s patriotic songs such as “Red White and Blue”, “We Want to Thank You” and “Boy in a Uniform” are still routinely played at Armed Forces high profile events, and veteran funerals. Rockie is known as the “Voice of Veterans”.
In 2011, Rockie’s dad fell ill, and he returned to Statesville to take care of him, staying in the old house where he grew up. He and Susan eventually decided to embrace the friendly, picturesque town of Statesville, North Carolina as their forever home. Rockie built an impressive recording studio, and started helping young artists produce demos as well as producing his own albums.
DNA testing produced another Rockie “hit”: it showed his biological father, Clyde Holloway, and three sisters lived nearby. A tentative meeting bloomed into warm and loving relationships. Ironically, Clyde had enjoyed a career as a country music singer, had served as an Army paratrooper, and rode a motorcycle all his life.
Later, Rockie got a call from his biological half-brother, Jacob Stump, whose father lived in the Virginia mountains. Susan and he traveled there to meet them, and the circle was complete. Rockie’s biological mother, Shirley Stump, had passed away years earlier.
We’re told that she did not give Rockie away willingly, but by necessity – a fact that soothed his lifelong feelings of abandonment.
Today, Susan and Rockie thrive in Statesville, taking part in hometown festivals and charity events, playing at various venues, and traveling overseas to visit American troops. Rockie’s latest album is titled “Love”. The songs, ranging from raucous rock to poignant ballads, express Rockie’s belief that love is what our country needs right now; love is the one thing which can bring us together as people. The crowning glory of the album is a beautiful, re-imagined and modernized version of “More,” the “song that got away” so early in his career.
Comfortable in his hometown, still singing and playing his heart out, with new family members to cherish, and Tribute to the Troops going stronger than ever - the timing is finally right for Rockie Lynne.
© 2024 JC Summerford
All rights reserved
For more information:
jcsummerford@gmail.com (director/writer)
