November 23, 2020
A great storyteller that worked well with his song writing and preforming. Hal could make anyone laugh. I remember him way back when. My last memory of him was on Evelyn McDonald porch (Middle Falls) where he played his guitar and sang. She told him one day he was going to "make it big". He ans. "you got that right" tongue in cheek. If you remember when he did, he came home and did free performances.
America lost one of the greatest songwriters/singers of all times. My favorite for sure. He had a great life but not without struggles and hardships. My prayers go out to his family and may he rest in peace.
Posted by: Nancy - NY - acquaintance
Mar 05, 2022
I miss Hal and his wonderful music. He was, and still is, one of my favorite country artists of all time. I love it when "Big Country, the Legends" FM 107.1 in Glens Falls, NY plays one of his many hits as I'm driving down the road. No one could ever carry a tune better than Hal. RIP Mr. Ketchum.
Posted by: pete laflamme - eagle bridge, NY - teacher
Oct 19, 2021
Your songs and groove and expression touched me and my family in MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. "Oldsmobile" is heartache with a story... you told such GREAT stories, Hal. We all love your work. Didn't know you personally, but you made our lives better with your musicianship and stories. Playing you on "repeat" ... THANK YOU.
Posted by: Janie MILLER - HEIDELBERG AUSTRALIA - student
Oct 17, 2021
So very sad to hear of Hal's passing. His music was seldom played, but when I heard it, I knew he would never be forgotten. I wish he had had more exposure instead of the horrible stuff we are inundated with today. R.I.P., Hal. I look to the day when you will live here on earth again, but healthy, perfect and never to be ill or die again. God promised it, so it will be done.
Posted by: Sally Thomas - Oakridge
Oct 08, 2021
It was so sad to hear of his death. The first time I heard him was on my way to work and I heard him sing Past the Point of Rescue. I have been a fan of his ever since. I love all his songs. I went to his concert in Mpls and In Anchorage. I still listen to a lot of his songs. He was the best May he rest in peace .... your fan forever...Rose
Posted by: Rose Brune - Elkhorn, NE - acquaintance
Jun 06, 2021
I was saddened to hear of Hal Ketchum death. I was fortunate enough to see him perform at the Birchmere music venue in Alexandria Virginia in the early 90's. His cd's have always been my goto music on a road trip... I know all the words and sing along. In my humble opinion he is one of the best singer songwriters ever to come out of Austin Texas ( even though he was born in New York City).
He will be truly missed but his music will live on with his fans for ever.
Posted by: Stephen Greene - Strasburg, VA - friend
Apr 23, 2021
So so sad to hear that Hal had died. He was such a fabulous singer no matter what he sang and always came across as a sincere and genuine man. Last saw him in concert in Belfast in either 2009 or 2010? Sincere condolences to Hal's wife and family from Dundalk, Co. Louth. Ireland
Posted by: Geraldine McCullagh - Dundalk, Co. Louth. Ireland
Apr 19, 2021
I found you to late my friend, I wish I could have seen you in your prime. I wish I could have met you in person. I love all your music Mr. Ketchum, it has made a real difference in my life, when ever I hear it I go back in time. You will never be forgotten, you made a difference in this world. God bless you and your family, Rest In Peace my friend.
Posted by: Jp Alise
Jan 19, 2021
I consider myself to be lucky to have met him and attended many of his concerts. We was a beautiful man, with a gorgeous voice, and so much talent. The world has lost both a wonderful, kind, decent man and an amazing talent. I will miss him for the rest of my days.
Posted by: Donna Repsher - Bradford, VT - friend
Jan 14, 2021
My wife and I fell in Love with Hal from the first hearing of "Threadbare Alibis" so many, many years ago. His appearance on Austin City limits doing "Past the Point of Rescue" blew us away and I have been trying to locate it for years. My wife has a few heartwarming memories of Hal/Hek walking with her in Northampton, Ma and his dear Aunt. We will both miss him and I can't believe I did not hear of his passing until now. Damn, I really liked the guy.
Posted by: john repsher - BRADFORD, VT - acquaintance
Jan 14, 2021
After Hal had put on a great show at "Strings in the Mountains," a music festival in Steamboat Springs, CO, founded and run by my wife, we drove him out to the local airport to catch a flight to his next gig. But his flight had just been cancelled--a not unusual occurrence with high altitude mountain airports in fair weather and foul. He wound up hanging with us for another 24 hours until another flight was able to depart. During that time, we ate exceptionally well, threw knives--neither of us was very good at it (he swore he was better at throwing hatchets, but we didn't have a lot of those lying around), we had a lot of laughs, and developed a special friendship that endured until his passing. What a great guy, what a gifted singer-song writer, what a wonderful friend. You split way too soon and are hugely missed, brother.
Posted by: John Grassby - Steamboat Springs, CO - friend
Jan 14, 2021
Saw him at the Iron Horse in Northampton, MA and he was so sweet when I told him about my son, a combat vet who lost both legs above the knee on his 3rd tour of Iraq in 2007 and suffers greatly with PTSD. He very gently kissed my cheek. When Andrea wrote that Hal was coming in from the road because of the dementia, my heart just broke. You all have been in my prayers and heart and there you all will abide.
Posted by: Deborah Morris - Simsbury, CT - friend
Jan 04, 2021
My daughter is a DJ on a local station in Potsdam,NY.She new how much I loved listening to Hal.She would play Small Town Saturday Night for me.She would always say my Mom’s favorite singer.I will never forget you.I have seen Hal in concerts.I loved seeing him in person.He is now with God in heaven.Mary J Dobson
Posted by: Mary Dobson - Canton, NY - friend
Jan 03, 2021
Sincere condolences to the family, many, many friends, and fans of this wonderful man Hal Ketchum, know for his hit song "Small Town Saturday Night." May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together. May Almighty God in the Heavens comfort your hearts with peace and loving kindness as you cope with this precious loss in your lives. Thank you for Hal's contribution to the country music industry.
Posted by: Tony - DC
Dec 18, 2020
My daughter and I met Hal on June 16, 1995 at the Reedsburg Butter Festival in Reedsburg, WI. He recognized my daughter right a way from all the letters and pics she sent him thru his fan club. He was so easy to talk to and loved to give hugs. In '97 my daughter was in the hospital in Janesville, WI, and I kept in touch with his fan club about her. He surprised my daughter at the hospital and no one knew he was going to do it. He spent 2 hours with my daughter, talking and played for her. When his fan club shut down we lost touch with him.
In 2018 my daughter's fiance found Hal and called him. Hal contacted my daughter and we had been keeping in contact with him up until his death. We went to see him in Stoughton, WI on Nov. 16, 2018, and when we got there they exchanged our tickets for 1st row seats. We found out later that Hal had it arranged for us to have 1st row seats and to see him after the show. We didn't get the chance to see him after the show, but just seeing him on stage was better than not seeing him at all.
Hal, we will always love you and miss you. R.I.P my friend! God Bless!❤
Posted by: Terri Griffith - Friend
Dec 14, 2020
I purchased tickets to see Hal in Fargo, ND in the 90's. Due to illness they substituted Toby Keith for Hal. I love Toby, but have been devestated to never have been able to see Hal in concert. I LOVED your music. May God bless you and rest in peace.
Posted by: Kari Anderson - Sabin, MN - acquaintance
Dec 07, 2020
The 26th April 2009 was the highlight of my life but also a very low point. That night I saw Hal In concert in the Civic Centre in Wolverhampton UK. I was so excited to see him in concert. Unfortunately I didn't get to stay til the end as I got a call to say my mum had passed away suddenly. I couldn't listen to Hal's music for about 18 months as it brought back all those sad memories. I did however get back into his music as was in a friend's car and a song came on the radio and I couldn't be ignorant and ask for it to be turned off. I grew to love his music again. Rest in peace hal and of you see my mum up there in heaven, say hi to her.
Posted by: Steven Doyle
Dec 05, 2020
The 26th April 2009 was the highlight of my life but also a very low point. That night I saw Hal In concert in the Civic Centre in Wolverhampton UK. I was so excited to see him in concert. Unfortunately I didn't get to stay til the end as I got a call to say my mum had passed away suddenly. I couldn't listen to Hal's music for about 18 months as it brought back all those sad memories. I did however get back into his music as was in a friend's car and a song came on the radio and I couldn't be ignorant and ask for it to be turned off. I grew to love his music again. Rest in peace hal and of you see my mum up there in heaven, say hi to her.
Posted by: Steven Doyle
Dec 05, 2020
I , REMEMBERED SEEING HAL IN THE MOVIE MAVERICK WITH BOTH MEL GIBSON AND DANNY GLOVER FROM , ALL FOUR LETHAL WEAPON MOVIES ........ ENJOY , YOUR EARLY HOLIDAYS TO YOU !!!!!!!!!! BROTHER #1 #14 #12 & 16 FROM , EVERYBODY AT BYRON'S BAR AND GRILLE RESTAURANT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JOHN 2:02-2:07-2:25-3:23-3:14 ????????????????????? MARK 1:08-1:11 !!!!!!!!!!!! MATTHEW 26:01-26:75 !!!!!!!!!!! & CORINTHIANS 1:11:20-1:11:34 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: CHEF ASHLEY DUFFY - GREENVILLE, RI
Dec 02, 2020
I had my first kiss when "Small Town Saturday Night " was playing on the radio, he was such a great artist. I remember seeing him play live, it was magical and he talked to us afterwards . To his family, Hal was the best country singer ever, and words cannot express what he meant to me. I thank him for sharing a part of himself and making so many memories.
Posted by: Sharon Armstrong
Dec 02, 2020
I was just heart broken to hear of Hal’s passing so soon after his benefit concert last feb at Gruene hall. He was my all time favorite singer His velvety smooth voice always soothes me. It’s so sad he has passed but we still have his wonderful music to enjoy for generations to come! There will never be another Hal Ketchum! I know he is entertaining them all in heaven with his gift! God speed Hal Ketchum! You will be forever missed by so many ❤
Posted by: Debbie Rust - Manchaca, TX
Dec 01, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear that Hal Ketchum died, he was such a great country singer and I love some songs he sang especially "Small Town Saturday Night" since he mentions the names "Bobby & Lucy" which are the names of my mother and father and what he says about them are how they actually are and some aren't, small world, well God Bless you Hal and I'll keep you in my thought and prayers and think of your great voice on the songs you sang
Posted by: Michael Nicolai - Friend
Dec 01, 2020
Hal's music was the soundtrack of my life in Nashville back in the early 1990s... I was a songwriter trying to make it big, and his music was so inspirational. I served him a sandwich one day at Mosko's deli, and he was such a nice guy. I never could hear "I Know Where Love Lives" without crying, and now I never will.
Posted by: Heide H. - Friend
Nov 30, 2020
I am so very sad for the Ketchum family. He was well loved by all. I will miss seeing him in concert. He has meant so much to me since I first was introduced to him and his music in 1992. I pray for Andrea, Hal's children, and family during this time of such sorrow.
Posted by: Sandi Douglas - Johnson City, TN - friend
Nov 29, 2020
Great singer, one of a kind, A true gem,that we, will never, have again.His lyrics, were genuine, they made, you, stop, what, you were doing, and take, a listen.vHal, was good friends, with my older brother, Don Carlisle. I remember, being, a kid, and seeing Hal, with, his guitar .Like the song says, who"s gonna fill, there shoes???? George Jones sang it. Rest in peace,God take care of Hal. I will, meet you, on the other side, singing in heaven. My prayers , to the Ketchum Family, much peace. Also, to Andrea.....God Bless...
Posted by: Debbie Holst - Liveoak, TX - friend
Nov 29, 2020
My wife loves Hal Ketchum's song writing and singing skills. She turned me on to Hal Ketchum.
I cannot hear "Small Town Saturday Night" without thinking about our small town of Devine Texas (approximately 4,400 residents). The same goes for my wife who was born and raised in Devine (1946-1965) and experienced the "Small Town" activities set forth in the song.
May Hal Ketchum rest in the Hands of the Lord forever.
Posted by: John Rosenthal
Nov 28, 2020
My deepest sympathy to The Ketchum family. I've loved listening to Hal's music for years. His voice was and always will be soothing during tough times and also uplifting in good and bad times. I feel like I've lost a dear friend. I learned to two step to many of his songs. My boyfriend at the time was his biggest fan. He took up dancing after suffering a heart attack and his uncle told him to start dancing. He found Hal and said his music saved him from despair. My Mom passed from Alzheimers. I know the heartache of losing someone before they're actually gone. I will pray for all of you and I believe Hal is making music again on the biggest stage ever. My deepest condolences. MHAMEL
Posted by: Mary HAMEL - Northwood, NH - friend
Nov 28, 2020
You were a gifted songwriter. I met you hearing “Past the Point of Rescue”. Your song”I Know Where Love Lives” is a beautiful love song. I had a secret crush on you. I am sorry for all your suffering, but I know you are happy, joyful, singing to our Lord, and writing more songs.
I will miss you and the new songs u would have written. Enjoy Heaven. You gave me and so many such joy.
Posted by: Marsha West - San Antonio, TX - friend
Nov 27, 2020
I had the pleasure of meeting Hal two times. The first is after he and his full band performed at the Alameda County Fair - maybe 15 years ago. It was an amazing show that nobody wanted to end. After, he sat with his legs hanging over the stage, talking to all of us and signing autographs for 45 mins. I was hooked.
The second time was in Berkeley, California. Just Hal and Kenny Grimes. Again, he stood outside on the street with us. He chatted as if we’d known him for years. I will never forget his kindness.
He meant so much to me, and I’m still weeping. His family must be so overcome with sadness. His voice was so sweet, crystal clear and pure. The memory of this thoughtful man with the spectacular voice will always be with me.
Posted by: Ken Bobek - Acquaintance
Nov 27, 2020
I always loved his voice, as well as his looks, and must have played 'Five O'Clock World', 'I Know Where Love Lives'....and others he sang, hundreds of times. Wondered why I never heard more from him over the decades. His voice was fantastic...my favorite above so many others more famous.
Never knew of his health struggle 'til now.
Posted by: LaNell - Acquaintance
Nov 27, 2020
Sending prayers out to Hal’s wife, children, and grandchildren. Hal was an original and a warm and authentic artist. His legacy and music will live on. I know he must be free of pain and playing with fellow great artists in heaven. It was a pleasure to meet you, and see you play in person on several occasions.
Posted by: Andrea Wooldridge - La Habra, CA - acquaintance
Nov 27, 2020
I'll always remember driving around listening to Small Town Saturday Night. I have so many memories to that song, hearing it always makes me nostalgic. His lyrics were heartfelt and spoke to everyday people, I'll never forget him. Thanks for sharing a part of your life with us. You touched people more than you'll ever know.
Posted by: Susan Williams
Nov 27, 2020
He was such a gifted and talented songwriter, I was listening to his songs and heard he passed away. I am deeply saddened and am so sorry for your loss. I'll always remember him with such fond memories. Country music lost one of their great ones, he will be greatly missed. May God comfort and provide you with strength and peace of mind during your time of loss.
Posted by: Eric Monroe
Nov 27, 2020
"Small Town Saturday Night" was one of those songs that got me interested in country music & dancing in the early 1990's. I remember driving through small towns on vacation in Arizona with that song playing, will always love Hal for that. Very nostalgic.
Posted by: Nicos Elias - Allentown, PA
Nov 26, 2020
Hal Ketchum was a very talented song writer with an amazing voice. I have been a fan since the 80’s and had the great pleasure of meeting him. May he Rest In Peace and my deepest condolences go out to Andrea, the rest of the family and all his friends. ❤
Stephanie Ellis
Posted by: Stephanie Ellis - Acquaintance
Nov 25, 2020
Hal, you will always live in my house. Your voice soothes my soul. I have loved you from DAY 1 and I am so thankful I saw you in Franklin, Tennessee on March 3, 2017...a night I will cherish forever. I am praying for your family. My world will not be the same without you. You were one of a kind. I love you so!
Donna Stone
Alabaster, Alabama
Posted by: Donna Stone - Tuscaloosa, AL - acquaintance
Nov 25, 2020