Country Singer and Songwriter Hal Ketchum Has Died
Beloved and accomplished singer, songwriter, and performer Hal Ketchum has died due to complications from Dementia. He passed away Monday evening, November 23rd according to his wife Andrea. “With great sadness and grief we announce that Hal passed away peacefully last night at home due to complications of Dementia,” she said. “May his music live on forever in your hearts and bring you peace.” Hal Ketchum was 67 years old.
Originally from Greenwich, New York where he was born on April 9th, 1953, Hal Ketchum moved first to Austin in 1981 where he began playing small clubs and recorded his first album for the small label Watermelon Records. He later moved to Nashville to pursue a country career further, and became a successful performer throughout the early 90’s, starting his career off with one of his signature songs, “Small Town, Saturday Night” in 1991.
Ketchum’s debut album on Curb Records Past The Point of Rescue was certified Gold, and along with his second record, 1992’s Sure Love, Ketchum charted three #2 singles, and seven Top 10’s, including beloved hits like “Past The Point of Rescue” and “Mama Knows the Highway.” Hal’s music was a little more songwriter-based at the time, making him less Garth Brooks, and more Steve Earle. He had another hit with “Stay Forever” off of his 1994 record Every Little Word. It was also in 1994 when Hal Ketchum became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
But four years later, a diagnosis of acute transverse myelitis—a very similar ailment to multiple sclerosis—sidelined the singer and songwriter, causing him to lose use of the entire left side of his body. Hal Ketchum had to relearn basic tasks, including how to sing and play the guitar again, and recovered enough to continue to record for Curb until 2008 when he retired to a cabin in Wimberley, TX, near Austin. Ketchum also had a passion for painting, and his work was featured in Santa Fe, NM’s Pena Gallery. He was also a skilled carpenter and enjoyed making toys.
But then in 2014 at the age of 61, Hal Ketchum emerged as a performing musician once again and began working with Austin, TX-based label Music Road Records, releasing his first album in six years called I’m The Troubadour, and began to play shows more frequently, including at Grene Hall and other venues throughout Central Texas. But when fans began to notice his tour schedule beginning to slow down, his wife announced the Dementia diagnosis in April of 2019.
“Dementia is an exhausting and confusing illness and now it’s time for Hal to stay home with loved ones,” Andrea said. “Hal is otherwise healthy and happy, enjoying time with his family and friends. We all deeply appreciate how much love that you all have for Hal and how much his music means to you! Also, a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible musicians that have joined him on this journey, with more than special love to Kenny Grimes, without whom, this last year of shows would not have been possible.”
Tracie Ferguson, the long-time booking agent for Gruene Hall in Texas tells Saving Country Music at the time, “Hal both began his career and ended his career with shows at Gruene Hall. As a young carpenter, he built our fence around the beer garden and even put up our basketball post. He went from playing in our front room for free, to Nashville, and sold millions of records. At the height of his popularity, he still came back almost yearly to play a Gruene Hall Reunion concert.”
Hal Ketchum had a way of putting life into perfect context. His first hit “Small Town Saturday Night” was written by Paul Alger and Hank DeVito, but was about New Braunfels, TX, where Gruene Hall is located.
“Bobby told Lucy, “The world ain’t round…
Drops off sharp at the edge of town
Lucy, you know the world must be flat
‘Cause when people leave town, they never come back”
But Hal Ketchum did. And from small town shows to the big stages of Nashville, persevering through a life of health setbacks, Hal Ketchum left a strong mark on country music.
Luckyoldsun
November 24, 2020 @ 9:33 am
That’s sad.
Hal was one of those somewhat “left field”ish, “intellectual” artists who surprise everyone–probably especially themselves–when they suddenly make it to mainstream country and hit the top of the chart. Rodney Crowell and Mary Chapin Carpenter were two others from that ’80s-’90s era.
I was shocked a few years ago when his team announced that he had Alzheimer’s and was retiring. He seemed very young for that.
King Honky Of Crackershire (No Mask)
November 24, 2020 @ 9:45 am
Agreed.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s is very sad. I remember visiting my 80 year old grandmother in the convalescent home years ago. One of the saddest things about those visits was seeing another lady who was in the home with her, a woman in her early 50’s with Alzheimer’s, who was being visited and cared for by her late 70’s mother. It was scary and heartbreaking to see.
RD
November 24, 2020 @ 10:54 am
The priest from our church was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and died at 46 years old. He was an excellent athlete in his youth, played college football and had several stints with NFL practice squads, etc. I always wondered if it was related to football brain injuries.
Luckyoldsun
November 26, 2020 @ 12:38 pm
Apropos that, some modern researchers in brain trauma believe that Lou Gehrig, who died in 1941, probably did not die of ALS, the condition known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” They believe Gehrig’s actual illness was the aftereffect of several brutal concussions that he suffered, both from his career with the Yankees and from his days playing football at Columbia University, back when they played with leather hats that barely qualify as helmets. Gehrig earned his nickname, the “Iron Horse,” for shaking off injuries and playing in 2130 consecutive games, a streak only broken by Cal Ripken Jr. Gehrig was treated at the Mayo Clinic toward the end of his life. Oddly, the Mayo clinic would not release his medical records to researchers, due to modern HIPAA laws. Gehrig left no heirs, who could sign off on that.
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/18/sports/18gehrig.html
hoptowntiger94
November 24, 2020 @ 9:55 am
Absolutely. I talk about this all the time about how smart county music was there for a short time. Add Suzy Boggous and Kathy Mattea to that intellectual time in country music. I guess those artist would be considered Americana now, but they and Hal Ketchum were part of my high school soundtrack.
albert
November 24, 2020 @ 12:00 pm
”I talk about this all the time about how smart county music was there for a short time.”
great point HTT
Natty Bumpo
December 5, 2020 @ 9:04 pm
The very late 80’s to early 90’s was a transitional period for both pop and country. During times like that you end up with some different types of music styles that are rare and refreshing. Some of the stuff out there today makes the music of that time look like concertos by Mozart.
MichaelA
November 24, 2020 @ 11:04 am
I might also add Mike Reid (2x NFL All Pro) and Paul Overstreet. Artists known more for the songs they wrote than performed, but fortunately found some mainstream success during this period.
Desert Rose Band is another.
But for me the big thing is that those artists fit perfectly on the radio at that time. They didn’t stick out because even the more successful acts had mature themes, melodic hooks, etc. Randy, Alan, Vince, Marty, Reba, etc.
My condolences to the Ketchum family. Of all the artists we talked about here, Hal Ketchum was one of my favorites from that time and I’m thankful his music will always be in my life. In the closer to his 2008 album he sang, “heaven finds me in my sleep. Some sweet angel carries me away”. I hope that is exactly what happened.
hoptowntiger94
November 24, 2020 @ 11:14 am
I was just thinking of Mike Reid the other day when Trig posted the Ward Davis review and I was coming up with piano driven country music artists that I liked. Reid was one of them. I had that Turning for Home cassette and played it thin.
MichaelA
November 24, 2020 @ 11:38 am
Great album no doubt. Twilight Town wasn’t too bad either.
I was listening to country radio the other day and I heard a song that reminded me of Mike Reid’s duet with Ronnie Milsap “Old Folks” from 1988.
Just kidding.
Dallas King
November 25, 2020 @ 12:29 pm
Ive goy 2nd stage od Dementia brought on from a stroke, my Father was a Leader of The Pioneer Melody Boys, Bobby Bare sr. Plus the Osborne brothers when they were younger. Country has been a great part of my life. . I will fight this the rest of my life. Till Jesus will come and bring me home. Just a drummer in heaven. Bless everyone who’s taking care of me. Bless my Father Kenny King. And his band.
Brian B
November 24, 2020 @ 1:36 pm
Don’t forget Bob McDill who scored enough country chart hits that he was able to fully retire at the turn of the millennium. Bobby Bare once recorded an entire album of his songs. And yes he recorded an album himself early in his career which contained the original versions of “Catfish John” and “Come Early Morning”. Had some 300 songs recorded.
Daniele
November 25, 2020 @ 9:01 am
I was jamming to Desert Rose band this morning…a great forgotten band
Christopher Bubb
November 24, 2020 @ 1:26 pm
Loved Mary-Chapin. Her “Come On Come On” is a classic even if it seems more Adult Alternative than Country.
“Small Town Saturday Night” was Radio and Records magazine’s #1 Country song of the year for 1991. R.I.P. Hal.
Susan Hall
November 24, 2020 @ 9:14 pm
So sorry to hear about Hal hadn’t heard him in years but he was a great singer may the lord give his family peace and comfort during this time
Craig
November 24, 2020 @ 9:37 am
One of the best to have ever done it. Rest In Peace, Hal.
King Honky Of Crackershire (No Mask)
November 24, 2020 @ 9:38 am
Celebrity deaths make us feel something that I think non-celebrity deaths do not. They make us feel old, and they remind us that we’re all on a steady march to becoming a corpse.
I liked Hal. His music was an integral part of that early-nineties era, which gets lampooned now for some reason unbeknownst to me, because I consider it to be almost like a very short-lived second “golden-era” in C(c)ountry music history.
CountryKnight
November 24, 2020 @ 9:51 am
I have never understood it either, Honky.
Maybe it was because the labels all pushed the aging legends out to move room for the new guys. But you can’t say that country music didn’t trade great for great for that short period of time. Unlike today, where they pushed out Alan and George for grade A awfulness.
And early 1990s country music exploded on the popular music and some fans hate it when their favorite things become popular.
JRS
November 25, 2020 @ 10:47 am
Well said! There are always self-important purists who put down anything at all new as “not real country” (or rock. or rap. or jazz….).
But the 90s stuff was totally country–the lyrical styles, the themes, the vocals—even as some of it (not all of course) was a little more slickly produced, lyrically more sophisticated, and musically pushed the boundaries just a bit. No one would’ve mistaken a Mary Chapin Carpenter song, or a Garth Brooks, or Clint Black for a pop song. In the 1970s, maybe, but not in the 90s.
The 90s Country era was in one sense a bit comparable to 70s Pop, in that the Top 10 in any given week included a large range of styles, all of whom (particularly the female vocalists: Reba, Patty, Mary-Chapin, etc.) sounded completely distinctive from each other—but they were all country. And that was a great thing!
ChingChong
November 24, 2020 @ 9:41 am
I have liked Small Town Saturday Night
RIP
strait county 81
November 24, 2020 @ 9:43 am
RIP.
Haven’t heard a lot of his catalog but Mama Knows The Highway is my favorite that i have heard.
CountryKnight
November 24, 2020 @ 9:47 am
I guess he is unfortunately past the point of rescue. 🙁
His music was great stuff. I love the songs, “Past the Point of Rescue” and “Small Town Saturday Night.” Such sharp lyrics. Intelligent words of wisdom. I haven’t listened to everything of his yet but I will.
And the music video for “Saturday Night” is hilarious.
Man, I miss early 90s country music.
Bradley Olson
November 24, 2020 @ 11:26 am
The movie in the background of Small Town Saturday Night is the legendary B-movie “The Terror of Tiny Town” which is in the public domain.
Big Tex
November 24, 2020 @ 9:48 am
Hal had a great, near-operatic voice!
Sir Adam the Great
November 24, 2020 @ 11:51 am
His version of “Five O’clock World” is better than the original.
Oregon Outlaw
November 24, 2020 @ 3:53 pm
I had forgotten about that song. Gonna go listen right now. I wonder how many others are buried deep in memory…it’s sad how many great artists are passing on, but as their final gift, and with help from Trigger’s writing, they prod us to rediscover music we loved decades ago.
Marc
November 24, 2020 @ 9:50 am
“I Know Where Love Lives”…. when lyrics and Hal’s vocals collide to create a vocal masterpiece. RIP Hal.
Taylor
November 24, 2020 @ 10:08 am
RIP, Hal. Prayers to the family. Small town Saturday Night takes me back to when I was in grade school Friday nights cruising around with my parents with a police scanner, listening for action in town. I was able to find a mint condition copy of his first album on Watermelon Records, Threadbare Alibis for a quarter a Hastings a few years back. Still the best find I have found. Happy he is now at peace and no longer suffering but man, 2020 has taken a lot of my favorite artists. From Jerry Jeff to Charlie Daniels to Billy Joe to Hal.
SageWestyTulsa
November 24, 2020 @ 10:26 am
They call me the old man in this bar, sleeves rolled up and showin’
Faint blue souvenirs of love and places I have been
One says “US Navy” and this one says “Darling Mary”
Now my Mary’s turned to ashes and the ocean’s turned to gin
Absolutely one of the finest songs ever written by anyone. God damn, Hal. Rest in peace.
Wuk
November 24, 2020 @ 11:05 am
2020 an awful year in so many ways. Bad news after bad news. This is another sad loss. It must have been difficult for his family as Hal’s health deteriorated. My sympathies and condolences to his family, RIP.
Angelo Rinaldi
November 24, 2020 @ 11:31 am
I love “Hearts Are Gonna Roll”. I hope you’ll do a classic review of his 1992 album. RIP.
mr.bako-guy
November 24, 2020 @ 11:37 am
I was fortunate enough to open for him about four years ago. I could tell he wasn’t feeling well but he was kind to me and really put on a nice show. Told great stories. That voice just flowed. Sad.
albert
November 24, 2020 @ 12:10 pm
Aside from his SMART song choices which gave Hal a previously unmined niche , the man was a CAPITAL S Singer . No auto-tune shit ….Yes Virginia , there was a time when you could sing or you couldn’t . Hal’s song sense and his ability to elicit emotion with his vocal gift is , to my mind , what sets him apart . Like Randy , Vince , George or Merle . Making people listen is one thing . Making them FEEL is another . Hal made me FEEL . This aspect of talent and artistry is becoming more undervalued with almost every new contemporary voice we’re subjected to .
God Bless Hal ….
James
November 24, 2020 @ 12:14 pm
I agree his songs were more literate than most (he’s the anti-Luke Ryan), but he also had a stellar voice. And an underrated one. His level of talent probably deserved more success than he had.
Steverino
November 24, 2020 @ 12:43 pm
Damn. Some of his album cuts (“I Miss My Mary,” “Old Soldiers,” “Someplace Far Away,” and his cover of Rodney’s “Dreams of Martina”) are among my all-time favorite songs. I saw him do “Stay Forever” on the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman and though, “Damn, I had forgotten how beautiful that song is.” He was under the radar to far too many people — he will always be one of my favorites.
Unsound1
November 24, 2020 @ 1:30 pm
This really hurts. I seldom comment on anything anywhere, but Hal was worth it. Such a great musician. Those first couple of albums have been favorites of mine since I first heard them way back in the day. A truly original voice. Kenny Rogers, Joe Diffie, Justin Townes Earle, Charlie Daniels… It’s been a good year for Country Music Heaven, if nothing else. Rest in peace, old soldier.
hallfan01
November 24, 2020 @ 1:32 pm
Joe Diffie and Hal Ketchum, both such big parts of my childhood and both left us this year. God bless both men.
hoptowntiger94
November 24, 2020 @ 2:45 pm
Someone check in on Aaron Tippin!
Convict charlie
November 24, 2020 @ 8:32 pm
I was actually in a Crosby’s today just after I read the news of Hal. While using the facilities and grabbing a quick drink they played an Aaron tippin song. That exact thought crossed my mind. Interviewed Aaron a few years back and he seemed like he was in a great state of mind at the time. Asked him if he still got excited hearing his songs on the radio? His answer was- if I hear it as karaoke that’s what excites me since it is their choice.
Jamie
November 24, 2020 @ 2:10 pm
Sigh…yet another great artist who provided much of the music of my childhood is gone. It’s just unbelievably sad how many 80’s and 90’s country artists we’ve had to say goodbye to in this past decade.
Songs like “Past The Point Of Rescue,” “Sure Love,” “I Know Where Love Lives,” “Mama Knows The Highway,” “Someplace Far Away,” and “Tonight We Just Might Fall In Love Again” are still some of my all time favorites. I also love his covers of “Five o’ Clock World” and “I Saw The Light.” Getting back to “Past The Point Of Rescue,” I consider that to be one of the very best songs that came out during that golden early 90’s era. That guitar alone gets stuck in my head forever after hearing it. Always thought the video was pretty cool, too, especially the scenes with Hal on his motorcycle.
Like others have mentioned, part of what made country great in the late 80’s and the first half of the 90’s was that folk influenced, “out of left field” artists like Hal, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea, etc. were able to have mainstream success along with the more straight ahead traditional artists like Strait, Jackson, Tracy Lawrence, etc.
Also just wanted to add, I saw a more recent live video of him on Youtube a few years ago, and was blown away by how great he still sounded! It’s like his voice hadn’t aged at all, and he could still outsing most “country” artists on the radio today any day of the week.
RIP, Hal Yet another gone too soon
Michelle
November 24, 2020 @ 2:55 pm
I appreciate songwriters who say something profound in a few words. Sometimes it’s simply one line of a song that resonates with us. I grew up in a small town, so “Small Town Saturday Night” hits home for me. Growing up where he did, I don’t know how he acquired that wisdom. It takes a rare storyteller to accomplish that. A tip of the hat to you, Hal. Thanks for the poetry.
King Honky Of Crackershire (No Mask)
November 24, 2020 @ 4:11 pm
“Growing up where he did, I don’t know how he acquired that wisdom.”
He grew up in a small town in upstate New York.
KathyP
November 24, 2020 @ 4:46 pm
This is sad to hear. I was a big fan of his. Took my husband to a concert in a warehouse-like venue in Cincinnati a long time ago. Hubby was in a cast to his thigh at the time. I said big fan; Tom was a good sport. Hal drew me from rock to country music.
Hal released an album late in his career, One More Midnight. Not in the US but Great Britain. Cost me $30 through Amazon.uk. The title song was supposed to be One More Greyhound, but Europeans couldn’t relate to the bus. Thus the title change (so I was told). On that album was a 15 minute murder ballad, Poor Lila’s Ghost. Riveting. Also there was Alamo, one of my all time favorite songs. He was a truly gifted man. Prayers for his lovely family.
Captain Bellmeyer
November 24, 2020 @ 5:15 pm
Guess he Should’ve titled it One More Magic Bus
Leaf
November 24, 2020 @ 8:13 pm
That album is great! I wish it would’ve been released stateside.
HankThrilliams
November 24, 2020 @ 5:54 pm
Another one of my favorites gone. I’ll always remember watching the music video of “Small Town Saturday Night” on a VHS tapes recorded from TNN when I was a kid at grandma’s house. And I played that song at my wedding, which was in a small town in a Saturday night
Larry
November 25, 2020 @ 6:25 am
Truly sad to hear of the passing of a incredible country artist Hal Ketchum love his music especially “Past the Point of no Return” thank you Hal for your great music you will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace 😞
Niki
November 25, 2020 @ 7:43 am
I always loved “ Small Town Saturday Night”. I remember loving his dancing in that video. He was a handsome man, with an incredible voice.
Katman Dan
November 25, 2020 @ 9:11 am
Past the Point of Rescue, & Small Town Saturday night are 2 of my favorites, & yes he DID have a wonderful voice, something I’ve always appreciated in my favorite musicians. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, as well as the condition that took him. I had a grandmother with Alzheimers, who was actually a nicer person for it, but I suspect that’s rare. I’m sorry for his familys’ loss.
Les
November 25, 2020 @ 2:33 pm
“They call me the old man in this bar, sleeves rolled up and showin’
Faint blue souvenirs of love and places I have been
One says ‘US Navy’ and this one says ‘Darling Mary’
Now my Mary’s turned to ashes and the ocean’s turned to gin…”
(Hal Ketchum’s “I Miss My Mary”.
Songwriting – writing on a whole – at its best.
Missing you, Hal, in this Small Town come this Saturday night and onward.
Jimmy
November 25, 2020 @ 8:52 pm
RIP Hal.
BTW: Pat Alger co-wrote “Small Town Saturday Night.” Great writer, and a great song. 😉
Bill from Wisconsin
November 27, 2020 @ 7:46 am
Lost my Past the Point of Rescue CD to an old girlfriend a dozen or so years ago. Wish I had both back. Oh well I have the music back thanks to Amazon anyway. Always enjoyed Hal’s music and still do. Created a Hal Ketchum station, and it transports me to a much better era of country music, try it you’ll like it!
Tamara Pratt
November 27, 2020 @ 10:32 pm
I was fortunate to meet Hal and attend his concert as I was in Country Radio, Springfield, MA in the early 1990’s: He was a very talented musician, songwriter, and vocalist- truly, the best of the best- I also found him personally, to be a highly decent and dignified human being. I remember the outdoor concert in Agawam, Ma, it was after the sun went down and all could see were millions of flying bugs around him and the band, and thinking, OMG, what these guys have to put up with for this gig! Like, he and the band must’ve swallowed thousands of flying insects during that concert. Since I was with the radio station, we had a couple who won the lottery to be able to meet and greet him- the wife immediately asked if she could pinch his behind- I almost decked HER! He remained a gentleman and just didn’t engage. Good, move. I felt his demeanor at that point- so hard to just try to put great music etc. out there and then “your” loving public treats you like produce. Now I get what a lot of talented people don’t like about fame- you become depersonalized- you are a live figure of a popular album cover or poster- you become a “product” instead of a person. It is truly awful to see how the public reacts to “your” fame- with such exceedingly desperate and self-absorbed , “I own YOU” type of attitude- totally ignoring he was a Talented human being and humble (of course) performer.
And Hal was a very approachable guy, which I am sure he regretted to some extent. I celebrated him tonite by playing my fave album of his “Past the Point of Rescue”- he was a handsome, sweet, gentile man with a great gift? Thank you, Hal for bringing us really great songs , full of spirit, live emotions- we could all connect to you. I know you have had ongoing health issues, MS? I thought we would have lost you before now- but thank you for your kind strong spirit to keep your fans , happy. I just hope you were satisfied with your life when you died. You did me proud, Hal. Hope to see you on the other side- would be the BEST! You went too young, but I hope you were fulfilled before you left. For sure.
Debbie. Holst
November 29, 2020 @ 10:13 am
He grew up in Greenwich village new York City. When, he was, a teenager, the family, moved to upstate new York…
Debbie Holst
November 29, 2020 @ 10:24 am
Great singer, wonderful lyrics, a real person, with a finely tuned voice, with lyrics, that made you , take a step back, and listen. His music, was genuine. A true gem, will never have again,but the music, lives on. Like the song says, who”s gonna fill there shoes ,singer George Jones.. Rest in peace Hal, You are not suffering any longer, God, please take care of Adios.. .
Highflyer
December 3, 2020 @ 12:02 am
Great point made earlier by Albert. The ability to not just sing a song with proficiency, but to make you feel that song, to draw you in to the story that song is telling, to feel the emotion in the singers voice, is a rare gift, a gift that Hal had in abundance. When he sang a song he took you along for the ride, and what a beautiful ride it was. We had the good fortune to meet Hal, and talk with him on several occasions, the last being at Sundance a few years ago, and he was always courteous, and humble, and very genuine. You could feel the genuine love he felt for his fans, always thanking us for coming to see him. A beautiful singer and songwriter, and an even more beautiful person. His music gave us joy, we can remember many, many good times we had with his music as the soundtrack. We were lucky to have him while he was here, he will live forever in our hearts. Thank you, Hal, we will miss you.
Rudd Hughes
August 21, 2021 @ 3:11 pm
More bad news. I will be playing my favourite Hal album, “Awaiting Redemption” on repeat today. “When Blue Was Just A Color” seems all too appropriate today. RIP Hal.
Doug
December 10, 2022 @ 1:16 pm
I was living in New York City when Small Town, Saturday Night came out, about as far from small town as you can get, but I loved that song. RIP to a great singer and from everything I’ve heard a good man.
LaNell Barrett
June 26, 2023 @ 8:04 pm
A little bit of me died with Hal Ketchum. Busy with my own battles, I still wondered but never knew til this article, why so many years I didn’t hear his voice. His death, and the cause, really shocked me.
My favorite Hal song will always be ‘I Know Where Love Lives’. So so romantic and I’m sure he meant every word. (And I have green eyes.)
Also loved his voice in It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere.
He’s missed, but at peace and painless, I pray.
CJ
March 25, 2024 @ 8:05 am
One of the best nights of my life was spent watching him perform with a friend and their two guitars. It was a magical night in Dallas. Many thanks my friend. You are missed.