Hit Songwriter Hank Cochran Dies at 74

Acclaimed songwriter Hank Cochran has died at his home in Henderson, Tenn. According to the Tennesseean, he was 74.

The music legend who penned such hits as Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces” and the perennially popular “Make the World Go Away,” which was recorded by more than a dozen artists, including Eddy Arnold and Donny and Marie Osmond, was surrounded by family and friends at his passing, his publicist reported. To the last, he was all about the music.

“Last night, Jamey Johnson, Billy Ray Cyrus and Buddy Cannon dropped by to sing songs with Hank," Cochran's publicist said.

Both a private family service and a public memorial are being planned, the Tennesseean reported. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation is accepting memorials in Cochran’s memory.

Among many others, Cochran also wrote “Ocean Front Property” and “The Chair,” both of which were recorded by George Strait. In 1974 the songwriter was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall of Fame.