Drew Baldridge Describes The ‘Humbling’ Experience Of Performing ‘Tough People’ For Young St. Jude Patient

Drew Baldridge experienced the impact of his music firsthand when he got to spend time with Lizzie, a young St. Jude patient who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at just 18 months old.

In a new video package for St. Jude, Baldridge sat down with Lizzie and her family and performed his song “Tough People.” Since the story penned by Baldridge with Adam Sanders, Jordan Walker and Luke Combs was inspired by those who persevere through difficult times, the young girl was able to resonate with the moving lyrics in wake of her immense challenges.  

The country act, who has visited the hospital multiple times over the years and has been a longtime supporter, described the encounter as “incredibly humbling.” He explained to Country Now how he immediately felt Lizzie’s strength and the immense love that her parents surround her with.

“It honestly put everything into perspective for me. I just felt honored to be able to share that time with them,” he admitted.

Seeing Lizzie and her family have such a strong reaction to “Tough People” made the Patoka, IL native very emotional.

“‘Tough People’ is already such a personal song for me, but watching Lizzie light up and connect to it in her own way made it even more powerful. It reminded me why I do what I do—music has this ability to heal and inspire that’s bigger than all of us.”

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The song was originally born from a time when Baldridge needed to remind himself to never give up, no matter how hard life can get. While seeing fans resonate with his powerful words each night on stage is the “greatest reward,” according to Baldridge, getting to share it in an acoustic and intimate fashion with Lizzie was a moment he will never forget.

“Hearing that a song I wrote or recorded gave someone comfort or strength. It’s the kind of thing that makes all the long nights and hard work worth it. I don’t take that for granted for a second.”

Just like many people feel when they hear the song, Drew Baldridge walked away from his time with the young patient feeling inspired by her strength and her family’s “resilience.”

“It reminded me not to take things for granted and to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles,” he explained. “I think she gave me just as much, if not more, than I gave her that day.”

Located in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is recognized as a leading center for pediatric cancer research. The hospital focuses on discovering cures for children facing cancer and other serious diseases through innovative research and treatments. Lizzie is just one of the thousands of patients St. Jude cares for each year from across the United States and around the world.

“St. Jude gives hope to families in some of their hardest moments, and if I can play even a small part in lifting someone’s spirits, I want to do that. I’ve been given this platform through music, and I think it’s important to use it for something that matters beyond the stage,” Baldridge continued.

Lizzie has faced immense challenges throughout her health journey, but thanks to new treatments at St. Jude, she is now “getting stronger every day.”

Baldridge has continued his streak of recording songs that touch hearts everywhere with his newest release, “Deserve Her.” He explained that the minute this song came to life with his co-writers Harper Grace and Kyle Schlienger, he knew it was going to be an important message for both boys and girls to hear.

“It talks about knowing a woman’s worth and that you can’t just ‘want her’, but you gotta ‘Deserve Her.’ The second verse might be one of my favorite verses I’ve ever written. The words are so powerful and I hope millions of people get to hear this message.”

With even more music on the way, Drew Baldridge says he is excited to release music quicker than he ever has before. Additionally, he’s gearing up to live out his dreams of playing overseas with upcoming dates in Australia as part of Jelly Roll’s Down Under 2025 Tour, followed by hisfirst-ever headline tour in the UK/EU.

“Right now, I’m focused on putting together the best show I can and making sure the setlist tells my story and gives fans a night they won’t forget. And I am excited to explore a lot of new cities myself!”