American country music great Hal Ketchum has passed away at age 67. Some of his most legendary hits as an artist include, “Long Haired Country Boy” which got nominated for a CMA award in 1997, “Past the Point of Rescue,” “Small Town Saturday Night” and “Hearts are gonna Roll.” Ketchum’s 1991 album Past the Point of Rescue is his most commercially successful, having been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Between 1991 and 2006 Ketchum had seventeen entries on the BillboardHot Country Songs. Ketchum was not only a genuine entertainer and talented lyricist but a friend to many in the music and entertainment industry.
Fellow artists mourn the loss of their friend and share fond memories that have left them forever inspired by the timeless, Hal Ketchum.
“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.”– The Oak Ridge Boys
“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.”– Johnny Lee
“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.”– Deborah Allen
“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 Atwood
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He made a lot of great music throughout his career.” – B.J. Thomas
“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.” – T. Graham Brown
“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.” – JD Shelburne
“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 Berry
“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.” –Jeannie Seely
“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.” –Steve Goetman, Exile
“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.” –Devon O’Day host of Main Street Today and Devon O’Day’s Nashville
“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.” –Tim Rushlow
“Love to Hal and all his family. He was a brother.” –David Ball
“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.” –Kent Blazy
“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.” –Lockeland
“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.” –Noah Garner
“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! –Dallas Remington
“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.” –Mickey Lamantia
“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.” –Dani-elle Kleha
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