Hal Ketchum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hal Ketchum
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Ketchum performing in 2008
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Hal Michael Ketchum |
| Born | April 9, 1953 Greenwich, New York, U.S. |
| Died | November 23, 2020 (aged 67) Fischer, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres | Country |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
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| Years active | 1986–2019 |
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Hal Michael Ketchum (born April 9, 1953 – died November 23, 2020) was an American country music singer and songwriter. He released many albums during his career, starting in 1986. Nine of his albums were released with Curb Records.
His 1991 album, Past the Point of Rescue, was very successful. It sold over 500,000 copies, earning a "gold" award. Between 1991 and 2006, Hal Ketchum had 17 songs on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Three of his songs, "Small Town Saturday Night", "Past the Point of Rescue", and "Hearts Are Gonna Roll", reached number two on the charts. Hal Ketchum's music was known for its great songwriting and folk music style. He stopped making music in 2019 because he was diagnosed with dementia, a memory-related illness.
Contents
A Musician's Journey
Early Life and First Steps
Hal Michael Ketchum was born in Greenwich, New York, on April 9, 1953. When he was 15, he started playing drums in clubs with a rhythm and blues band.
In 1981, Hal moved to Austin, Texas. There, he often visited Gruene Hall, a famous old dance hall. This inspired him to try singing and writing his own songs. By 1985, he was performing in small clubs across Texas. He even won an award at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 1986 for his songwriting.
In 1986, Hal recorded 11 of his own songs for an album called Threadbare Alibis. It was released in 1988. After this, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, which is a big music city. There, he signed a record deal with Curb Records.
Rising to Fame
In 1991, Hal Ketchum released his first album with Curb Records, called Past the Point of Rescue. This album had four popular songs:
- "Small Town Saturday Night" reached number two on the country charts.
- "I Know Where Love Lives" reached number thirteen.
- The album's title song, "Past the Point of Rescue", also reached number two.
- His cover of "Five O'Clock World" made it into the top 20.
This album was very successful and was certified gold, meaning it sold over 500,000 copies.
In 1992, he released the album Sure Love. The song "Sure Love" reached number three, and "Hearts Are Gonna Roll" hit number two. "Mama Knows the Highway" also became a top ten hit.
His 1994 album, Every Little Word, had five singles. Two of these, "(Tonight We Just Might) Fall in Love Again" and "That's What I Get for Losin' You", made it into the top 25. His song "Stay Forever" was his last top-ten hit. In 1994, Hal Ketchum also became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, which is a huge honor for country music artists.
Later Career
Hal Ketchum released a greatest hits album in 1996. He continued to release albums like I Saw the Light (1998), Awaiting Redemption (1999), and Lucky Man (2001). His song "She Is" from Lucky Man reached number 40. He also released The King of Love (2003), One More Midnight (2007), Father Time (2008), and his final album, I'm the Troubadour (2014).
Overall, Hal Ketchum had six songs reach the top 10 on the Billboard charts. He sold five million albums throughout his career. He played his last show at Gruene Hall, where he first found his love for songwriting.
Acting Roles
Besides music, Hal Ketchum also acted in a few movies. He appeared in the 1988 film Heartbreak Hotel. He also had a small role as a bank robber in the 1994 movie Maverick.
His Unique Sound
Hal Ketchum's music was known for its simple, heartfelt songs about life and relationships. His voice was often described as clear and emotional. Many people compared his singing style to famous artists like Roy Orbison and Lyle Lovett. His music blended country sounds with folk music influences.
Personal Life and Health
In 1998, Hal Ketchum was diagnosed with a rare condition called transverse myelitis. This affected his spinal cord and made it hard for him to move the left side of his body. He bravely worked to relearn how to walk and play the guitar.
Outside of music, Hal was also a talented painter. His artwork was shown in galleries in New Mexico. He also enjoyed building things as a master carpenter.
In 2019, Hal's wife, Andrea, announced that he had early-onset dementia, which is a memory-affecting illness, including Alzheimer's disease. Because of this, he could no longer perform music. Hal Ketchum passed away at his home in Fischer, Texas, on November 23, 2020, at the age of 67, due to complications from dementia.
Discography
- Studio albums
- Threadbare Alibis (1988)
- Past the Point of Rescue (1991)
- Sure Love (1992)
- Every Little Word (1994)
- I Saw the Light (1998)
- Awaiting Redemption (1999)
- Lucky Man (2001)
- The King of Love (2003)
- One More Midnight (2007)
- Father Time (2008)
- I'm the Troubadour (2014)
Awards & Nominations
Nominations
- 1997 Vocal Event of the Year - "Long Haired Country Boy" with John Berry and Charlie Daniels
