Legendary Songwriter Hank Cochran Chronicled in Songwriter Magazine

Posted by Webb on 12/23/2008
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Hank CochranHank Cochran, considered by many to be one of Country Music's greatest songwriters, is featured in the January/February (2009) issue of American Songwriter magazine's  annual "Legends" issue, on stands now.  The four-page article explores the "back story" behind some of Cochran's biggest hits, including "Miami, My Amy" and "The Chair," and features a never-before-seen photograph of Cochran by his old friend, Marty Stuart. Throughout the chronicle of Cochran's decades-long career of song, he chats about Willie Nelson, Keith Whitley and more. Joining Cochran in this year's American Songwriter spotlight are: Randy Newman, Ralph Stanley, Lou Reed, Brian Wilson, Les Paul and Marty Stuart.A 1974 inductee into the Nashville Songwriter Association's Hall of Fame (by unanimous vote, the only songwriter to receive such an honor), Cochran has received over 30 BMI Performance Awards for his timeless compositions. His songs have been recorded by a slew of other legendary songwriters and performers, including Lynn Anderson, Eddy Arnold, Chet Atkins, Junior Brown, Jimmy Buffett, Tracy Byrd, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Elvis Costello, Bing Crosby, Don Gibson, Vern Gosdin, Ty Herndon, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Joe Henry, Harry James, Waylon Jennings, Tom Jones, Loretta Lynn, Dean Martin, Reba McEntire, Wayne Newton, Buck Owens, Elvis Presley, Ray Price, LeAnn Rimes, Linda Ronstadt, Nancy Sinatra, George Strait, Carla Thomas, Ernest Tubb, Lee Ann Womack and many more.Cochran, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this summer, is currently undergoing chemotherapy. He will spend the holidays quietly with family and friends, but notes that "there's always the chance that I'll come back with an idea or two."Read more about Cochran at www.myspace.com/songwritersingerhankcochran. To enjoy American Songwriter online, click on http://www.americansongwriter.com/. For interviews, e-mail martha@somuchmoore.com.