Songwriter Johnny Hathcock passes

[Janice Brooks]

Johnny Hathcock

AMARILLO, Texas (AP) - Country music writer Johnny Hathcock, best known for penning the hit singles ``Wake Up Irene'' and ``Welcome to My World,'' died Tuesday. He was 81.

Hathcock wrote more than 400 songs during his lifetime. He had his first hit in 1954 with ``Wake Up Irene,'' recorded by Hank Thomas on Capitol Records.

``Welcome to My World,'' written in 1964, became the theme song for country entertainer Eddy Arnold. More than 60 other artists have since recorded the song, including Elvis Presley, Dean Martin and Andy Williams.

Hathcock worked for radio stations in New Mexico and Texas. He also was an editorial writer for The Record Stockman, a syndicated livestock publication, and a former columnist for the Amarillo Globe-News.

In 1999 he published his first poetry collection, ``Sweet & Sour.''

Hathcock is survived by his wife, two daughters, a sister, and three brothers.

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