Bobby John Henry — an 81-year-old hit songwriter who rose to prominence alongside Merle Haggard and others during the Bakersfield Sound era — has become a premier culinary figure in Music City. Named one of "Nashville's most interesting people" by Nashville Scene, his wholesale bakery across the street from BMI world headquarters has served prominent restaurants around the city since 2000. 

 

When Haggard fell ill in 2015, Henry decided to dust off his guitar and write a get-well song for his old California friend. "Praying for Merle" turned into "Fishin' With Merle" after Haggard's death. Now, the song is pushing Henry back into the music spotlight after several decades away.