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October 24.2025
2 Minutes Read

Discover Drake White's Inspiring Recovery Journey in Documentary 'Ladder to the Sky'

Nashville logo with guitar and city skyline at sunset promoting hotel rates.

Drake White’s Unforgettable Journey: Resilience Through Recovery

Drake White, a powerhouse in the country-soul music scene, has made waves with his new documentary, Ladder to the Sky: A Hunts the Healing Story, which is now streaming on YouTube. Directed by Holt Ingalls, the film captures White's incredible journey of recovery following a life-threatening stroke he suffered on stage in 2019.

A Close Call: The 2019 Stroke

In the documentary, White reveals the stark reality of his on-stage stroke that left doctors doubting his ability to walk, let alone perform again. Yet, defying these odds became a significant theme in his story. Just two weeks post-stroke, a trail camera on his property captured a 175-inch buck—a moment White describes as a personal sign from above to remain hopeful and keep fighting for his life.

Nature as a Catalyst for Healing

The title of White’s documentary, Ladder to the Sky, symbolizes his journey and reliance on nature for healing. He credits hunting and the outdoors as pivotal to his recovery, stating, “Hunting brought me back to my feet, back to the stage, and back to life.” By sharing his story, White inspires others battling hardship and mental health issues to find solace and healing in nature.

Support for Causes Close to His Heart

Beyond his personal recovery, White is passionate about raising awareness around brain health and wellness. On November 17, he will headline the second annual Benefit For The Brain concert at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. With the help of notable artists such as Riley Green and Jon Pardi, the event aims to raise funds for veterans’ mental wellness, children’s brain health, and innovative stroke recovery programs.

Celebrating Community and Connections

Drake White’s resilience and community spirit shine throughout his narrative. The documentary not only features his journey but also includes heartfelt contributions from fellow artists and friends in the industry, further emphasizing the importance of support systems in overcoming adversity.

Upcoming Tours and Musical Endeavors

In addition to his film, White continues to engage audiences with his music. Following the release of his latest singles “Nuthin’ But a Smile” and “Nights on Fire,” he is currently on tour with Riley Green as part of the Damn Country Music Tour. Fans can look forward to his own Keep It Movin’ Tour this fall, celebrating his perseverance and creativity.

Join the Movement

Drake White’s inspiring story reminds us of the power of resilience and community. As he champions wellness initiatives and shares his journey through the arts, he invites everyone to be part of this crucial dialogue surrounding mental health and recovery.

If you enjoyed this story, why not stay connected? Join Nashville Local Unplugged on Facebook and YouTube for exclusive local information.

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12.06.2025

Nashville's Music Industry Buzz: Alan Jackson's Whiskey and More

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12.06.2025

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