Cowboy’s Boot Heel Tapping Across the Silver ScreenAward-Winning Indie Film About Legendary Artist Rob McNurlin Set to Debut at Paramount
Gary and Sonya Newman
The Ashland Beacon
On April 17th, the Paramount Arts Center will host the premiere of filmmaker Steve Middleton’s deep dive into the life and times of Westwood’s own, Rob McNurlin. From the Cowboy’s Boot Heel: The Musical Journey of Rob McNurlin is a captivating look at a man who’s so much more than just a hat, boots, and a sequined jacket. Rob is a gentle soul whose kindness and authenticity have touched countless lives across many places, all while staying true to who he really is. The film has already earned the Best Music Film award at the Eutopia Arthouse Film Fest in Belfast, Ireland, marking its first festival appearance. The cinematic tribute will be followed by a live performance by McNurlin himself.
The roots of this film run deep. Director Steve Middleton met Rob 20 years ago at a coffee shop in Morehead, and the two immediately bonded over music and a shared love of artists. “I was a young person at that time, interested in the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, and all these folk singers, and here was this guy—this over-six-foot-tall man in a duster jacket and cowboy boots—singing all these original songs he wrote and knew all about my folk-singing heroes. He liked to talk about them,” Middleton recalled.
Fast forward a few years, and the two reconnected after Rob announced on social media that he was stepping back from music. Middleton reached out to see if he’d be interested in making a film about his life and career. Rob wasn’t ready at the time, but a few months later, when Middleton contacted him again, Rob was on board, and production got underway in July and August of 2024.
Timing, as they say, is everything. The start of the film marked a time of many unanswered questions in Rob McNurlin’s transitional music life. “For the last few years, I’ve just been in survival mode. I was completely blown away,” McNurlin recalled. “As we all know, the Lord works in mysterious ways, because I’d hit a low point in my music with Dad passing, Mom being sick, and things like that. I didn’t see how I could go out on the road and play music anymore. I wasn’t going to stop playing I just wasn’t going to be able to play as much as I usually did. I was at a low point, and then Steve steps in, and that kind of lit a fire. I was blown away that anyone remembered me, let alone wanted to make a film about me. It’s humbling. It’s weird. The whole thing feels surreal. I’m honored. It’s crazy. The fact that he thought of me... wow!”
In making the film, Middleton interviewed many legendary names from the past, including Marty Stuart, Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane, Grammy winner JT Cure from Chris Stapleton’s band, and Grayson, KY DJ Dreydon Gordon. “Everyone had the same story,” Middleton shared. “How nice Rob is and how well he treats people. Whether he was playing a huge show or a small local gig for 10 or 15 people, he treated everyone the same—promoters, other musicians, everyone. That stuck with me.”
Test audiences have given strong feedback on two points. First, they were amazed by everything Rob has done, the places he’s been, and the people he’s influenced. And second, the film has brought out deep emotions. “We’ve been told it’s a tearjerker,” Middleton revealed.
“I hope people realize Rob’s still out there playing music, and they should book him for their shows,” the director added. “This has been Rob’s life since 1993—his career, his job, his full-time gig as a musician. This was pre-internet. He toured the world and the United States just by making contacts and connecting with people, and he made a living doing it. He might not have made millions or signed big record deals, but he made a living playing his own songs. How many people can say that?”
The movie will first debut at the Rowan County Arts Center on April 1st before its grand premiere at the Paramount. Middleton shared his hopes for the premiere: “I’d love to see 500 people come out to support Rob. I hope the people of Ashland and the tri-state area show up to support this legendary figure and let him know how much we appreciate his hard work. This is a free show at a legendary theater about a legendary man. Come out and pass the torch to another generation of musicians and filmmakers who can see the work of their own people from this region.”
When asked if he’d like to see the film in advance, McNurlin did. “The thing that surprised me most when I saw the rough cut was hearing all these people say I helped them do stuff—and I don’t remember that. All I remember is people helping me do stuff,” he humbly reflected. “I’m still out there kicking! There’s one part in the movie where, if you’re not really paying attention, it feels like I’m dead. But Steve did a great job in the film. I’m still alive and still playing music.”
“Rob is authentic,” Middleton emphasized. “By the time he sees the Paramount showing, he’s going to realize just how much he means to people. I hope those who watch the film will recognize how much hard work he’s put into his life and career in an industry that eats people alive. He’s always been authentic, from the top of his cowboy hat to the heels of his cowboy boots.”
Don’t forget—admission is free for both the Morehead show and the Paramount premiere. After the film, Rob McNurlin will treat the audience to a live performance. A limited-edition soundtrack CD will also be available for purchase.
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