A VOICES OF COUNTRY LEGENDS CONVERSATION

Bobby Marquez: A Throwaway Guitar, George Jones, and “The Cowboy Way”

With Bobby Marquez | Hosted by Frank Gerard

His cousin threw a brand-new guitar in the trash. Bobby Marquez took it home, taught himself to play, and learned Ernest Tubb’s “Waltz Across Texas.” His mother made sure the family heard him sing.

In this episode of Voices of Country Legends, Frank Gerard visits with the Texas singer and songwriter known as “Smilin’ Bob.” Bobby traces his path from Freer, Texas, to Nashville, carrying the sounds of honky-tonks, Western swing, and Tejano music with him. He recalls the phone call telling him George Strait was recording one of his songs, the surprise of George Jones already knowing his nickname, and a thumbs-up from Ray Price watching his performance from behind a curtain.

Bobby also shares the family story behind “The Cowboy Way,” written for his father-in-law, and remembers singing it with the man who inspired it sitting in the audience. He talks about recording “For Awhile” with Rhonda Vincent, writing “Speak Love” with Karen Staley, and teaming with Wood Newton on “Cowboy Coffee,” inspired by Kent Rollins’ coffee-making videos.

The conversation turns to Country With Heart, Bobby’s annual Nashville benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It began with a young fan in a homemade “number one fan” T-shirt and a friendship that changed Bobby’s life. He explains why he continues the event in that fan’s memory and what it means to bring country music artists and their audiences together to help other children.

In this episode

• A discarded guitar, his mother’s encouragement, and the move to Nashville

• Keith Bilbrey, “Smilin’ Bob,” and encounters with country legends

• The family memories behind “The Cowboy Way”

• Rhonda Vincent, “Speak Love,” and “Cowboy Coffee”

• Country With Heart, St. Jude, and Country Campfire Pickin’

Find Bobby Marquez

Official website: BobbyMarquez.com

Facebook: facebook.com/bobbymarquezmusic

YouTube Music: music.youtube.com/channel/UCmF_VU3ShrSoWnDCNF66LcQ

Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/5DIh33JgLouEOjENDlyf1R

Voices of Country Legends is created in connection with the Legends of Country Music Museum in Nashville.

Visit the museum: LegendsOfCountryMusic.com

More episodes & updates: VoicesOfCountryLegends.com

Reach out to the host, Frank Gerard: Frank@VoicesOfCountryLegends.com

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