In rural Alabama in the late 1950s, a spirited young girl, Lewellen, struggles to rise above the repression that surrounds her. Lewellen lives with her stern religious zealot grandmother, Grammie, but spends most of her time down the hill with her much-adored Daddy in his falling down shack. Daddy is wild and rough and frequently brings home a beautiful but troubled woman who has a mysterious history with him and comes and goes when his drink and abuse becomes too much for her. But while she's around, Lewellen's longing heart reaches for her love. Lewellen is deeply talented and finds comfort and safety, as well as a place to put her hurt and rage, in the music of Elvis Presley. It is only the caretaker Charles who can see the spirit in Lewellen and save her soul. He teaches her to use The Blues to turn her tragedy into a gift. Lewellen ultimately finds her true voice, giving her the strength and courage to walk away from her past and into her future.