Famed country singer-songwriter Hank Cochran passed away this morning, July 15 at his own residence in Hendersonville, Tenn. He was 74. Earlier this year, Hank underwent emergency surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm. He also had health issues in 2008 when he was treated for pancreatic cancer.
Widely known for penning the 1961 Patsy Cline classic, 'I Fall to Pieces' with Harlan Howard, Cochran went on to write other country radio hits, specifically Eddy Arnold's 'Make the World Go Away' and George Strait's 'Ocean Front Property,' among others.
A recording artist from 1962 until 1980, his first single, 'Sally Was a Good Old Girl,' became a Top 20. A slew of his other songs became staple covers, recorded by the likes of Ray Price, Ronnie Milsap, Natalie Cole, Dean Martin, Linda Ronstadt, Reba McEntire, Lee Ann Womack and Brad Paisley. Hank even motivated his publishing company, Pamper Music, to sign the ambitious singer-songwriter Willie Nelson.
His contributions have earned him a number of prestigious accolades, including being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall of Fame (in 1974) and honored by BMI for his 50-plus years contributing to the music industry.
Hank was fortuitously surrounded by loving family and friends when he passed away, with Jamey Johnson, Billy Ray Cyrus and songwriter-producer Buddy Cannon even stopping by to see their friend the day before his passing. A private, family memorial is expected to be held, with a public service -- details not yet announced -- to follow.