Photos

Jun 17, 2009 Surrounded by friends and family, Hank Cochran relaxes on a couch in BMI’s Nashville Writer/Publisher lobby as Merle Haggard prepares to sing a few Cochran classics. View Photo

Jun 17, 2009 Hank Cochran talks to Willie Nelson via speaker phone at the BMI reception held Monday, June 15 in Nashville honoring Cochran’s legendary songwriting career. View Photo

Jun 17, 2009 Bobby Bare, Merle Haggard and Dean Dillon greet Hank Cochran as Red Lane holds the mic at the BMI reception celebrating 50 years of Hank Cochran classics. View Photo

Jun 17, 2009 Party organizers Clay Bradley and Dale Dodson pause for a photo with the guest of honor. Pictured at the BMI reception held Monday, June 15 in Nashville to honor legendary songwriter Hank Cochran are BMI’s Clay Bradley, Hank Cochran, and songwriter Dale Dodson. View Photo

Jun 17, 2009 Merle Haggard performs 7 songs at the BMI reception held Monday, June 15 in Nashville to honor his longtime friend Hank Cochran. View Photo

Jun 17, 2009 Merle Haggard and Hank Cochran laugh during the BMI reception held Monday, June 15 in Nashville honoring Cochran’s legendary songwriting career. View Photo

Jun 17, 2009 Pictured at the BMI reception held Monday, June 15 in Nashville to honor legendary songwriter Hank Cochran are Bobby Bare; BMI Assistant Vice President Writer/Publisher Relations Clay Bradley; Theresa & Merle Haggard; Hank Cochran; songwriter Dale Dodson; BMI Vice President Writer/Publisher Relations Jody Williams and BMI President & CEO Del Bryant. View Photo

Jun 17, 2009 Hank Cochran is greeted by Cowboy Jack Clement and Elvis Costello as BMI’s Jody Williams looks on at the reception held Monday, June 15 in Nashville honoring Cochran’s legendary songwriting career. View Photo

Jun 17, 2009 Merle Haggard greets Hank Cochran at a reception held in Cochran’s honor on Monday, June 15 at BMI in Nashville. View Photo

Jun 17, 2009 When Hank Cochran arrived at his surprise reception Monday, June 15 at BMI, revelers pulled out their cameras and iPhones to capture his reaction for posterity’s sake. View Photo