Hank Cochran, photographed by Marty Stuart, March 2008

Hank Cochran Remembers Christmas Past, Gives Thanks For Christmas Present, Looks Forward To Christmas Yet To Come

Through his publicist, Martha E. Moore, legendary songwriter Hank Cochran (“I Fall to Pieces,” “Make the World Go Away,” “Miami, My Amy,” et al.) sent the following reminiscence about his Christmas memories.

"As a child, I lived with my grandparents and we were very poor.  Every year I would hear the other kids talking about Christmas trees and presents—and I really didn't understand why we didn't have those things. We talked about Jesus, but His birthday wasn't a gift-giving occasion at our small home in Mississippi. One year when I was six or seven, I finally got up the nerve to ask my grandmother why we didn't celebrate Christmas like everyone else. Her answer was, ‘You just have to believe.’ Well, that was pretty heady thinking for a kid, but I wanted presents like all of the other kids, so I began to concentrate—and believe. That Christmas Eve, Grandmother reminded me of my promise to believe, and I went to bed that night praying for ‘Christmas’ with all my might. That year, my Uncle and my grandparents scrimped and saved to buy me a present. When I awoke on that magical Christmas morning, there was a stocking hung from the mantel, and inside, a toy gun and holster set. I was amazed!  From that day forward, I have understood the power of believing—and that is a present I will forever cherish."

Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this past June, and given an thumbs-up on his most recent CT scan in September, Hank also thanks his supporters for all their well wishes and prayers through the year.

"I'm doing great right now," he reports. "The medicines are working and my family continues to encourage me. Those gifts are more than enough to fill my Christmas stocking this year!"

Readers who want to send a personal message to Hank are encouraged and welcome to do so. Log on to www.hankcochran.com and show him some love.