Heart on the Line

John T. Davis’ 1990 documentary offers a rare insight into the lyrics, lives and attitudes of Nashville’s songwriters, the largely unknown men and women whose art is the lifeblood of the country music industry.

The film features performances and commentary by major songwriters such as Harlan Howard, ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement and Whitey Schafer as well as unacknowledged but equally gifted composers like Junior Lee Farrell and Danny Jackson. We witness Dean Dillon and Frank Dycus on retreat at Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee as they collaborate on the song which gives Davis’ film its title.

All of the songwriters have in common a will to communicate with powerful honesty - in their songs and in their lives these are artists unafraid to lay their hearts on the line.