Charley Crockett’s $10 Cowboy Documentary to Debut in Austin

In the heart of Texas, where the Trinity River winds through Dallas and the Longhorn Ballroom echoes with the ghosts of country legends, a new chapter in Americana storytelling is waiting to be told.

Patrick Heaphy’s new documentary, Charley Crockett: $10 Cowboy, is a love letter to Texas, its music and the grit that shapes its artists. Premiering this weekend at the Austin Film Festival, the film offers an intimate, unvarnished portrait of Charley Crockett, a musician whose journey from Deep Ellum dives to marquee lights is as raw and authentic as the Lone Star State itself.

For Heaphy, an award-winning filmmaker with a knack for peeling back the layers of his subjects, this project was a natural fit. 

“Premiering in Texas was the only option,” Heaphy tells us. “This film is a celebration of Texas culture, artistry and the role it played in shaping Charley’s journey. It had to start here.”

The film shares DNA with Jason Lee’s 2015 music documentary Midlake: Live in Denton, which captured the essence of a band through their connection to place. Similarly, $10 Cowboy immerses viewers in the landscapes and venues that have defined Crockett’s career. From the historic Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas to the Broken Spoke in Austin, the film is a visual and auditory tour of Texas, punctuated by Crockett’s soulful performances and candid reflections.

Crockett’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Born in San Benito, Texas, his early years were marked by struggle. “I’d be dead without my guitar,” he admits in the film, a sentiment that underscores the life-saving power of music. Heaphy captures this raw honesty, weaving together concert footage, behind-the-scenes moments and interviews that reveal the man behind the music.

“Charley’s authenticity is what drew me to this project,” Heaphy says. “He’s not trying to be anyone else. He’s a time machine, connecting us to the past while staying firmly rooted in the present. That’s rare.”

Director Patrick Heaphy, right, captures a candid moment with Charley Crockett, blending Western charm with cinematic precision during the making of $10 Cowboy.

The film’s structure mirrors Crockett’s unconventional approach to music. Much like his performances, where storytelling seamlessly blends into song, $10 Cowboy eschews traditional documentary tropes. Instead, it feels like a fly-on-the-wall experience, capturing moments as they unfold. 

“I didn’t want to disrupt the intimacy,” Heaphy explains. “As soon as you pull out a tripod and lights, you lose authenticity. I wanted the camera to fade into the background.”

This minimalist approach extends to the film’s aesthetic, which is deliberately rough around the edges. The grainy, unpolished look reflects both Crockett’s early struggles and the raw energy of his music. “Country music was born out of struggle,” Crockett says in the film. “It wasn’t made in good times. It’s the sound of people who were hard up.”

The film holds special significance for Dallas audiences. The Longhorn Ballroom, a venue steeped in music history, serves as a focal point.

“Filming at the Longhorn was incredible,” Heaphy recalled. “You can feel the weight of its history. Charley’s connection to Dallas and his loyalty to his roots are ever-present in the film.”

Crockett’s performance at the Longhorn is electric, capturing the energy of a hometown crowd.

“There’s something magical about playing in front of your people,” Heaphy says. “You see it in Charley’s face. It’s a mix of pride and gratitude.”

The film also delves into Crockett’s early days, busking on New York City subways and playing for tips. These scenes are juxtaposed with his triumphant return to Texas, where he’s embraced as a modern-day troubadour.

“Charley’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance,” Heaphy says. “He’s done it his way, often going against the grain of what the industry expects.”

Heaphy also notes the collaboration with Crockett was built on mutual respect for authentic storytelling.

“Charley’s hands-off approach gave me the freedom to tell the story authentically,” Heaphy said. “But he was clear about one thing: it had to be real. No trickery, no frills. Just the truth.”

This commitment to genuineness extends to the film’s music — Crockett’s performances are presented in their entirety, unedited and unfiltered.

“We didn’t Frankenbite anything,” Heaphy emphasizes. “What you see and hear is exactly what happened. It’s as real as it gets.”

The film’s title track, “$10 Cowboy,” encapsulates Crockett’s ethos. Inspired by Waylon Jennings’ “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys,” the song is both a tribute to the past and a declaration of independence.

“Charley’s not a million-dollar cowboy,” Heaphy says with a laugh. “He’s a $10 cowboy, and that’s what makes him relatable.”

In many ways, $10 Cowboy and its new companion film are meditations on identity, resilience and the evolving narrative of Texas art.

“Texas is a character in this film,” Heaphy tells us. “It’s not just the backdrop — it’s the heartbeat. From the oil rigs to the honky-tonks, every frame is infused with Texas pride.”

The film also explores the duality of Texas culture, a theme Crockett touches on in his lyrics. “People look down on the South, but they’re also obsessed with its mysticism,” the artist says in the film. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, especially in a state where heritage and progress often collide.

For Heaphy, the project was a labor of love.

“This was one of the most challenging films I’ve ever made,” he admits. “But it was also one of the most rewarding. Charley and his band, the Blue Drifters, are some of the hardest-working artists I’ve ever met. Their dedication to their craft is inspiring.”

Above all, the film is not just for fans of Americana music or Texas culture, but authentic storytelling, as well. As the credits roll and the words “To Be Continued” appear on screen, one thing is clear: Crockett’s story is far from over. And thanks to Heaphy’s lens, we’re all invited along for the ride.

$10 Cowboy premieres at the Austin Film Festival on Friday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. at Galaxy Theatres Austin. An encore screening is slated for Monday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m. at the Bullock Museum IMAX Theatre. Tickets and festival information are available now.