Remembering Hal Ketchum

Country music has lost yet another star in 2020, as Hal Ketchum lost his battle with dementia last night, as reported on his Facebook page.  Probably best known for his debut signature hit “Small Town Saturday Night,” Ketchum charted eleven Top 25 singles, including three songs that peaked at #2 in the early 90’s (“Small Town Saturday Night,” “Past the Point of Rescue,” and “Hearts Are Gonna Roll”).  He also saw his single “Sure Love” reach the Top 5, peaking at #3 in 1992.  The Grand Ole Opry member was 67.

Here is what his colleagues in the country music world are saying about his loss:

• Adam Hood – Telluride, Colorado• July 2015 (the trip we found out we were expecting Drue). I was opening for Jack Ingram at the Songwriters Festival but Britni and I traveled a day early to catch Hal’s show. After his set, we went next door, sat in a booth at the pub and talked for HOURS! He was fascinating and funny, Brit was starstruck (which rarely happens) and I was reminded that a legend can be humble, approachable & kind! As you can see, I made a friend. I put his number in my phone as “Uncle Hal” just as he told me to do. There is NO ONE like him and I’m so thankful for these memories! Godspeed, Uncle Hal.
• B.J. Thomas – My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He made a lot of great music throughout his career.
• Bryan White – When I first heard “Small Town Saturday Night” on the radio I was in high school. I instantly went out and bought it. I was dreaming big during that time and it definitely played a role in my excitement for wanting to make records. I loved Hal’s voice and music. Sad to hear that he has left us but his music will live on. What a talent. Prayers for his family
• Dallas Moore – Rest In Peace Hal Ketchum. Godspeed Old Friend. Live Forever…..
• Dallas Remington – I’m so saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Ketchum. Although I never met him, he and his music were a huge part of my life. Growing up in a small town, “Small Town Saturday Night” became one of the theme songs of my life. He will be dearly missed!
• Danielle Kleha – I am so sad to hear of the passing of Hal Ketchum. Our Country music world for sure lost a legend. Although I was only born in the late 90s, some of my favorite artists and influences come from 90’s Country. “Small Town Saturday Night” has always been a favorite of mine. Hal’s memory will live on forever through his music and all he inspired. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends
• David Ball – We have lost another good one. Hal Ketchum passed away this morning. Love to Hal and all his family. He was a brother.
• Deborah Allen  – Such a deep loss for our music community and for the world. Thank you, God, for giving us the gift of wonderful, talented Hal Ketchum. My heart and prayers are with the family, friends, and all who were touched by his music and songs. He will surely be loved, missed, and remembered Forever. Rest In Peace, Hal.
• Devon O’Day – I remember one year when Gerry House was promoting Oktoberfest and as a joke he challenged Hal Ketchum to come play live in the studio in a pair of lederhosen to yodel for the audience. It was off the cuff and on air and we had no idea Hal had heard until he just showed up wearing full German attire with knee socks, suspenders, leather shorts and an accordion.  I seldom saw Gerry House bested with a joke but this time he was. Hal sang and laughed with us at himself and the joy of life. He was brilliant. He had a voice he kept pristine throughout his career and dashing good looks that matured like the finest wine. But his laugh…his smile…his humor will always be my fondest memory of him. Our world is dimmer today without Hal’s smile.
• Elizabeth Cook – RIP @halketchum I played Ann Arbor #theark w/him -I only knew him as a country hit maker. He played solo and BLEW. MY. MIND. His voice,guitar,songs! +he was incredibly friendly n fun n we jammed. he welcomed me. it was a beautiful experience. He’ll b missed. #oneofakind
• Flatland Cavalry – We’re gonna howl at the moon, shoot out the light It’s a small town Saturday night… RIP
• J.D. Shelburne – Thoughts and prayers out to the family of Hal Ketchum. One of my favorite voices of the Opry. I’m glad to know that he is no longer suffering and in a much better place. Our hearts are still gonna roll, Hal. We love you and will miss you but your songs will always remain.
• James Otto – RIP Hal Ketchum. I always held him in high regard. He was an authentic and original artist.
• Jeannie Seely – Very sad to hear of Hal’s passing. His poetic piece about becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry was so touching. He will certainly be missed.
• Jeff Carson – Rest in peace Hal Ketchum. What a horrible year
• Jimmy Wayne – #HalKetchum introduced me on the @opry 03/22/03 — it was my debut. I’ll never forget how nice he was to me on and off stage. He is part of my history. May his amazing singing voice live on forever. RIP, Hal.
• John Berry – I am saddened to hear the news of the passing of Hal Ketchum. He had such a distinctive voice and way of delivering a song. He was also a very nice man and wow, could he snow ski!! I will cherish the day I spent with Hal and Charlie Daniels the day we shot the video for the Long Haired Country Boy remake at Charlie’s place. If you watch the video and you think we must have had a lot of fun you’d be correct. It was a great day and will be forever a fond memory.
• John Rich – In memory of the great #HalKetchum I’d like to sing my favorite song of his, and dedicate it to all his fans and loved ones  See Video
  
• Johnny Lee – There is now another addition to the amazing band in heaven. I really hate to hear this. Hal was such a talented and wonderful guy.
• Kent Blazy – I met Hal thru the Allen Reynolds group at Jack’s Tracks and was lucky to do some shows with him. At the 1st 30A Songwriters show we did, he sang “Stay Forever” a cappella and it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
• LeAnn Rimes – So sad to hear that Hal Ketchum has gone to live amongst the angels. We will miss you down here, Hal! He was such a talent and a dear soul.
• Lockeland – Wow, what a year to lose another amazing artist of the 90s. Small Town Saturday Night was just one staple of many great songs Hal released. Regards to his family and friends and thank you for all of your iconic music
• Michelle Wright – So sad to hear that Hal Ketchum passed away last night due to complications of dementia. Our paths crossed several times over the years and we shared the stage a few times as well. Besides being a great talent and movie star handsome Hal was a kind soul. Rest In Peace.
• Mickey Lamantia – Today the industry lost another icon!! Hal Ketchum was one of those really cool guys with his own style. I  listened to him often back in the day. R.I.P Hal.
• Noah Garner – I was saddened to hear of the passing of Hal Ketchum today. I was blessed to be raised with nineties country icons such as Hal, and am forever grateful for his musical influence.
• Oak Ridge Boys – The Oak Ridge Boys are saddened over the loss of Hal Ketchum … a great voice and a great guy … 2020 has been hard … so many country music artists and songwriters have gone home this year … Rest easy Hal.
• Radney Foster – When Hal Ketchum sang he packed so much truth and passion into every lyric. His tenor rang so clear. I will miss you brother. Godspeed you home.
• Randy Rogers Band – This ol world is gonna miss ya Hal. Thanks for the love and the songs.
• Ray Scott – In the 90’s, I discovered Hal Ketchum and recognized him as a true artist who didn’t seem manufactured… I was an instant fan.. have been ever since… even got to open a couple shows for him along the way… RIP HAL.. You were one of a kind. The damn good kind.
• Rodney Crowell – Video Message
• Sawyer Brown – So sad to hear that our road brother Hal Ketchum passed away last night due to complications of dementia. We travelled a lot of miles together back in the day—Hal was one of the good guys. Rest In Peace.
• Steve Goetman (Exile) – Hal’s debut in country music was explosive. Unique-sounding singer, prolific and commercial songwriter and drop dead handsome, Hal presented as the total package. As an instant fan I requested and received the opportunity to interview Hal for an article in Country Song Roundup magazine. We covered a bunch of topics, but kept returning to songwriting and his process of inspiration. “When I’m preparing to write for a new project,” he explained, “I feel myself seizing up emotionally, and I exorcize all of it by writing”. In contrast to exploring the depths of his artistry, we had a few hearty laughs, too. Hal was honest and open that day, and I liked him a lot.
• Suzy Bogguss – So sorry to hear of the passing of my good friend Hal Ketchum He was such a beautiful singer/artist and a soul to match.  We’re lucky we still get to hear his recordings as there was never a voice like his
• T. Graham Brown  -Hal was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever known. We always had a special bond. I’m saddened to hear of his passing but gladdened to know his physical pain is over. Sheila and my prayers are with his family today. R.I.P. my brother.
• Tim Atwood – My heart is breaking for the family of Hal Ketchum. I always enjoyed playing the Grand Ole Opry with Hal. He stepped on that stage with a smile on his face, and the music he sang was pure poetry. He will be missed.
• Tim Rushlow – Hal Ketchum was a singers singer. One of the nicest guys in the business and I so enjoyed our conversations about history. I can’t say enough about how cool he was on and off stage. I will be cranking up my favorite song of his today! Do yourself a favor and listen to “In front of the Alamo” and you’ll know what I mean. Rest easy my friend.
• Toby Keith – RIP Hal Ketchum See Video
  
• Ty Herndon – It truly is a sad day. I Just heard about the passing of my friend Hal Ketchum. He leaves a true legacy of music. A legacy of country music. He was kind, dashingly handsome, and super talented. His daughters call me uncle Ty- I witnessed him fall madly in love with their mother. He had some troubled days towards the end. This journey is over for you man… But you will be remembered as one of the best. Now go write and sing one with Jesus- and give my grandma a hug. Rest in peace brother