When he developed kidney disease , Joe and his wife Denise were forced to move to a low - income area of Nashville .
The film is based on the actual story of Joe Bradford , who grew up in a rural area of Tennessee .
When Joe Bradford developed kidney disease , Joe Bradford and Joe Bradford 's wife Denise were forced to move to a low - income area of Nashville .
The film is based on the actual story of Joe Bradford , who grew up in a rural area of Tennessee .