The June 2, 2025, installment of the popular program “Coffee, Country & Cody” featured a robust lineup of country music talent, with a special focus on Bobby Marquez and the celebrated duo TG Sheppard and Kelly Lang. The episode provided an in-depth look at Marquez’s enduring commitment to charitable causes, particularly his “Country with Heart” initiative, while also exploring the musical inspirations of Sheppard and Lang.
Bobby Marquez and the Enduring Spirit of ‘Country with Heart’
Bobby Marquez used his appearance on “Coffee, Country & Cody” to shed light on his “Country with Heart” initiative, a fundraising effort that has dedicated 11 years to supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The initiative was born from a deeply personal connection Marquez forged with a young fan named Pety Northup. Pety, who tragically passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, left an indelible mark on Marquez. It was through meeting Pety and his family that Marquez’s passion for supporting St. Jude was ignited, transforming into an annual tradition that has attracted a global following of fans and supporters.
Marquez elaborated on the profound impact of this connection, sharing how his commitment to St. Jude has deepened over the years through various fundraising avenues. He has actively participated in events such as the St. Jude Trail Ride and the St. Jude Marathon held in Nashville, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to giving back. He recounted a particularly moving experience during one of his shows, where an interaction with a young St. Jude patient further solidified his dedication to the cause, reinforcing the emotional core of his philanthropic work.
This year’s “Country with Heart” event, which Marquez noted will be supporting St. Jude in 2026, showcased a notable lineup of artists. The event featured performances by John Connley, Mark Wills, Mandy Barnett, and the group Runaway June, underscoring the broad appeal and collaborative spirit of the initiative.
TG Sheppard & Kelly Lang Share Faith and Music
The episode also welcomed TG Sheppard and Kelly Lang, who shared insights into their musical journey and personal inspirations. Kelly Lang spoke about a significant song, “My God Can,” which she co-wrote with Judy and Kenny Royster. This particular piece, Lang explained, draws heavily from the writers’ shared faith and their life experiences, serving as an anthem of resilience and belief.
Furthermore, the program highlighted the contributions of Valerie Ellis Hawkins, who was featured on “My Kind Of Country.” Hawkins discussed her dedication to traditional country music, a style she passionately champions. She also spoke about her own rendition of “My God Can,” a song that resonates with her traditional country sensibilities. Hawkins noted her active engagement with the Nashville music scene, performing at esteemed venues like the Commodore Lounge, establishments that are instrumental in preserving and promoting traditional country music.
Broader Country Music Landscape Discussed
Beyond the specific artist spotlights, the “Coffee, Country & Cody” episode also touched upon other pertinent developments within the country music industry. Discussions included actor and singer Kane Brown’s foray into the film world with his movie debut, adding another dimension to the diverse talents emerging from the genre. The segment also provided a wrap-up of the recent Music City Rodeo, signaling the blend of Western heritage and country music that remains a significant part of the cultural fabric.
The collective discussions on “Coffee, Country & Cody” painted a vivid picture of the country music community’s engagement with both artistic expression and meaningful charitable endeavors, underscoring the genre’s deep roots in storytelling and compassion.
