Hal Ketchum Suffering from Alzheimer’s, Retires From Performing
Beloved and accomplished singer, songwriter, and performer Hal Ketchum is suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and has officially retired from touring. This was the news that was confirmed by Ketchum’s wife, Andrea on Sunday (4-14) afternoon.
“I know everyone is wondering why there are no future tour dates, and speculations as to the reason,” Andrea said in a statement. “Our family would like to share the cause for this. Unfortunately, Hal is suffering from Alzheimer’s/ Dementia. He has been battling this for some time now, but because of his love for his fans, he continued performing as long as it was possible.”
Originally from Greenwich, New York, 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 was a successful performer throughout the early 90’s. His 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. 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 his 1994 record Every Little Word. It was also in 1994 when he 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. 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 his cabin in Wimberley, TX, near Austin.
But then in 2014 at the age of 61, Hal Ketchum surfaced 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.
“I wasn’t really planning on doing another album,” Ketchum said at the time. “The whole Nashville scene is extremely competitive. You’re as good as your last record. People are always showing you spreadsheets on how much money you owe for videos and tour support and everything else. I think there’s a certain level of resentment that comes with that.”
Lately Hal Ketchum’s tour schedule has slowed down dramatically, which has many fans showing concerns.
“Dementia is an exhausting and confusing illness and now it’s time for Hal to stay home with loved ones,” Hal’s wife Andrea says. “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, “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. We are all very saddened to hear that he is suffering from this disease. We wish him all of the love in the world, and will miss him very much.”
Plans are in the works to somehow honor Hal Katchum at Gruene Hall.
Hal’s wife Andrea said in conclusion, “Please know that I do read all of your comments to Hal and that we will continue to check in from time to time. Lots of love and appreciation to you all from Hal and the entire Ketchum family.”
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Photos from Hal Ketchum’s last live appearance at Gruene Hall’s Music & Wine Festival in October of 2018 are from Andrew Quinn of aqphotostx.com. He can also be found on Instagram.
April 14, 2019 @ 2:13 pm
Solid singer songwriter and great story teller who found success by coming up through the ranks the right way. Great career. Real troubadour. Thank you Hal.
April 16, 2019 @ 8:41 am
I love Hal’s music. Prayers for him and his family
April 17, 2019 @ 10:11 am
George STRAIT is the TROUBADOUR NO ONE ELSE HAS THAT TITLE!
April 17, 2019 @ 10:28 am
A little respect here would have been nice. George doesn’t need your defense.
April 20, 2019 @ 8:05 am
Exactly….. My precious Daddy passed from this horrid disease Jan. 2018… Snide remarks are so not needed…….
May 22, 2019 @ 6:11 pm
My stepdad suffered with this horrible disease and passed quietly with family! Sad indeed! I don’t think he met any disrespect to Mr. George Strait!
Nobody wins with that disease, but hopefully can get final peace with the Lord!
November 25, 2020 @ 7:32 pm
As far as I know, George Strait never wrote a hit song in his life. George Strait is, like so many other performers in many different genres, a good singer of others’ songs. The true “troubadours” are people like Hal Ketchum- who do it all, and do it well.
November 10, 2022 @ 8:49 pm
There were many times during the time leading up to my precious father’s passing that he didn’t know who I was. I was with him every day caring for him, I loved him dearly. He was a musician, that is something he never forgot.
Barbara Jean, your comment was painful to read. Why did you think it was okay to tear down, or take away from, his musicianship? Why can there not be just love and support during this heart-aching time for this man and his family? Where has compassion gone?
November 10, 2022 @ 11:14 pm
I hear you on all counts, Dena. My grandmother on my father’s side of the family (where I and my sister were born and raised in Alabama), died several years ago, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, and her sons and daughters, including my father, took care of her until the day she died. It was very tough at times, but they were determined that they would look after her as long as they possibly could, and to this day, I thank God that she never had to go into a nursing home, and I’m very grateful that she always had loved ones to be there for her and take care of her in her time of greatest need. I would have loved to have done more for her, myself, but I have Cerebral Palsy, and my everyday life, living independently as much as I possibly can, is already a challenge that I meet as best as I can, by the grace of God.
Alzheimer’s and dementia have really done a number on my family, on both my mother’s and my father’s side. For many years now, I’ve lived in Maryland, close to my mother’s side of the family. This year, my last living blood relative in the area, my aunt who was struggling with dementia, had to be suddenly moved into a nursing home in another state (closer to her son), after her husband, who had been her full-time caretaker for years, was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer and quickly passed away. It’s hard, sometimes, now, living up here with no family members in the area anymore, but I am glad that my aunt is at least in a good facility, where she is receiving quality care, and where her son can regularly go to visit her and make sure that she isn’t being mistreated, as can happen all too often. tragically, with residents who have Alzheimer’s and dementia in nursing homes and similar facilities. God bless you for being there for your father and caring for him in his time of need.
April 14, 2019 @ 2:53 pm
A true Wordsmith and musician. Jerry Jeff Walker called Hondo Crouch an Imagineer. I like to think of Hal Ketchum that way. A unique talent that I will miss. God bless him and his family.
April 14, 2019 @ 2:53 pm
Rebecca Jackson Cook was the one that turned me on to Hal with a homemade cassette tape of his music in the early ‘80’s. My favorite song has always been “Love’s a Word For Better Left Unsaid”. My thoughts and prayers are with Hal and his family and friends.
April 14, 2019 @ 2:57 pm
Sad to hear this. Prayers for him and his entire family. His first album, before the Curb record days, Threadbare Alibis, was a holy grail find for me. I found it one time at Hastings for only 25 cents. Yet to find it for sale anywhere on the internet. The only thing I found of it was the cassette going for anywhere from 20 to 50 bucks. Great album, one of my favorites I own!
April 14, 2019 @ 3:10 pm
I have the fondest memories of Hal‘s show at the wonderful Singer-Songwriter Festival Frutigen in the Bernese Alps in 1990, in the early stage of his career. As the long-time former producer of Swiss National Radio SRF’s Country Special program, I’m proud that we got to record his set and broadcast it to a national audience. Thank you for all the great songs over the years. I wish Hal and his family all the strength they need.
April 14, 2019 @ 3:43 pm
Please have him tested properly for Lyme Disease! Remember what happened to Kris Kristofferson.
April 14, 2019 @ 3:54 pm
Great memories of my time as a young man in the Corps back in the early 90’s. He was definitely a fixture on local radio back then. I really hate to hear this, I wish him well going forward.
April 14, 2019 @ 5:22 pm
In my opinion, his “Past the Point of Rescue” album was one of the finest mainstream country albums of the 90s.
April 14, 2019 @ 7:34 pm
Absolutely. There’s a few bands in Nashville that will play songs from that album, and they still hold up. A fantastic work.
April 14, 2019 @ 5:43 pm
We are so sorry to heat this about Hal. I have many fond memories from the Opry. My wife, Donna, and Rose had a special friendship. We wish you all our good thoughts and prayers. Donna & Tim Thompson
February 1, 2020 @ 2:30 pm
absolutely the best cassette ever. so many great songs sung.i am listening to it now. loved it then,love it now. it makes my heart ache rach time I listen to it.may there always be people with heart who can transmit it.
April 14, 2019 @ 6:25 pm
Thank you for all the years of sharing your talent with us. I once heard a country music singer describe you as being so good that you could even sing the phone book & make it sound good. You have been with us through the years; you’ve been on all our road trips, you sang on the CD player while we built our house, and we will continue to listen to your timeless songs. Thanks and take care.
April 14, 2019 @ 7:36 pm
A true loss. Small Town Saturday night is as close to a perfect modern era country song as you can find.
April 14, 2019 @ 9:26 pm
One of my favorite songs ever!
April 18, 2019 @ 6:47 am
So my favorite song. He was one of my favorite performers. Went to see him every chance I could. Even after he quit making albums and toured the county fairs. May he spend the rest of his days with family and friends. He has left a large stamp on classic country.
April 14, 2019 @ 7:46 pm
There been something special about every Kal Ketchum show I ever went to. It never felt so much like a concert as it did like you were visiting somebody’s house and they pulled out their guitar. Sort of familial. One night at a broadcast of Ray Wylie Hubbard’s Roots and Branches that I was lucky enough to attend my brother-in-law and I bumped into him in the bathroom during a break. We wanted to know if he had built the benches in Gruene Hall as we had always heard that. But we didn’t want to bother him. After a minute we couldn’t stand it any more and had to ask. He just smiled and said “I built a few. Thanks for asking.” What always impresses me with Hal is that whether you see him onstage, or standing at the Gruene Hall bar patiently obliging fans while he is trying to chat with friends, or in a men’s room on a break from a set he is always that same guy. And that is just dang nice to know.
April 14, 2019 @ 8:07 pm
Thank you sir for all the good memories of you and your great music!! I always enjoyed and still do like listening to you sing l remember hearing your songs over the years.Gods blessings on you and all the family during this time of troubles you are going though. You will be in my prayers for however long it may take!!
April 14, 2019 @ 8:23 pm
What a loss…many great songs & memories of the 90s with this awesome artist. “Stay Forever” is a long time favorite!
April 14, 2019 @ 8:45 pm
I am so sad to hear this news. Sending positive vibes and prayers for Hal and family.
April 14, 2019 @ 8:54 pm
“Hal’s music was a little more songwriter based at the time, making him less Garth Brooks, and more Steve Earle.”???
I wouldn’t liken Hal to Garth, but I wouldn’t liken him to Steve Earle, either.
Earle’s music is characterized by an outlaw persona–he’s always angry and restless and protesting something. Ketchum is much more laid back. Hal was on the edge of the mainstream because he sounded more collegiate or educated than what was fashionable in mainstream country–not bragging about getting drunk, or being a renegade and not using “ain’t” and double-negatives to sound populist.
April 14, 2019 @ 8:55 pm
Andrea and family,
Thank you ???? all for sharing Hal for so many years. Bless you all in the rest of this journey. And know that I truly appreciate his love for family, friends, writing, singing and all that goes with music. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you all positive healing energies ♡
April 14, 2019 @ 9:08 pm
So sorry to hear this…I love Hal Ketchum….he never got the credit he was due..I don’t know if the right name of the some was I know whereLove Lives” but it was one of the first that I heard him do…man I love that song. God Bless and keep Hal…he is one of the best.
April 14, 2019 @ 9:25 pm
GOOD bless you and your family. Thank you for many wonderful years of music and fantastic songs and music
April 14, 2019 @ 9:44 pm
Mydeepest thought and pra9go out to u, Hal and family! May God Bless u..may I ask a question..unfortunately, I wasnt able to make any of his tours, but am a great fan of his! May I get an autographed picture? I can PM my address
April 14, 2019 @ 10:43 pm
Prayers❤
April 14, 2019 @ 11:05 pm
Beautiful voice and songs that tell a story. One of the greats! May God wrap you in peace and keep you safe. Very very few voices in country music anymore. The hip hop bro country is terrible.
Blessings to you and family from me and mine.
April 14, 2019 @ 11:06 pm
Hal is one of my all-time favorites. I saw him at the Cain’s Ballroom in Tilsa. A reviewer said he was the John Steinbeck of country music. His songs always told great stories and evoked memories of my own childhood. He holds several spots on my current playlist. Love you, Hal. Sorry to hear you’re not touring. My prayers fo you and your family. God bless you all.
April 15, 2019 @ 12:15 am
So very sorry to hear about Hal having Dementia. May God bless your family and may He give Hal strength and watch over him. Hal’s beautiful songs will forever continue to be special memories for us all and for alot of us, the soundtrack to some of the greatest moments in our lives. Thank you Hal.
April 15, 2019 @ 12:27 am
So sorry to hear this – this disease is so hard on everyone – enjoy every minute of each day and be blessed with the memories.
April 15, 2019 @ 1:05 am
Sad news. It’s hard on Hal but even harder on his loved ones to watch how this condition impacts. Been there. You are all in my thoughts.
April 15, 2019 @ 1:48 am
First of all my deepest sympathy for the family. This is not going to be easy. I am my mom’s only care giver. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015. I just have to say one thing about something I read. The article read that he’s suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. I can’t pass up a chance to educate. It’s what I do. This is the purpose my mom’s battle has given me. I need to clear this up because, I want others to get the correct information. Alzheimer’s IS a form of dementia. Alzheimer’s is the cause, dementia is the symptoms. Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of symptoms linked to many different causes. Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia. This of it this way. When you don’t feel good you may experience many different symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, and stuffy head. Those symptoms can be linked to many different illness. Dementia is the symptoms the illness is the cause of symptoms.
April 15, 2019 @ 2:28 am
Sorry to hear of this.
April 15, 2019 @ 2:40 am
Tonight we might just fall in love again is one of the finest two step songs you will ever here and certainly not appreciated enough in my opinion.
Best wishes for Hal , a true artist
April 15, 2019 @ 2:45 am
What a shame such a nice guy and a fantastic performer an Entertainer storyteller my thoughts and prayers are with Hal and his family friends and relatives!????????????❤????????????
With a satisfied mind!????????????????????????…
April 15, 2019 @ 3:25 am
Heartbroken for Hal.. his family and his fans.. never saw him play but his music soothed my soul when needed while at other times it made it soar with joy. Westcoast Canadian fan.
April 15, 2019 @ 4:02 am
One of my all-time favorites. Thoughts are with the family as they work through the difficulties this disease brings.
I hope we beat this disease sooner rather than later. I know some advances have been made. Hopefully some progress will result. There is a link to a trial from this Harvard blog:
http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2019/oral-bacteria-may-responsible-alzheimers-disease/
April 15, 2019 @ 4:55 am
I always considered Hal one of the greatest singers of the greatest generation of country music. Offering prayers for Hal and his family as they deal with this terrible disease.
April 15, 2019 @ 4:56 am
Recall buying the Point of Rescue album and being a fan ever since. Also saw him in UK on tour. Sad news. Feel for him and especially his family. It is hard on the family to watch the deterioration. You are in my thoughts.
April 15, 2019 @ 6:20 am
Your music has given me so much joy over the years–thank you for all those great songs and the memories that go with them. Prayers and positive thoughts to you and your loved ones.
April 15, 2019 @ 6:45 am
So very sorry to hear this! The honesty and love you brought to the Music scene will forever be cherished and remembered by all. God be with you all through this journey ahead! May you find peace and comfort in knowing that your touring days may be over – but your music shall live on in the hearts of many! Enjoy the next leg of your life journey making memory making moments with your family and friends! God Speed and THANK YOU from a fan in Minnesota!
April 15, 2019 @ 6:57 am
I saw Hal and Kenny at Songbird’s in Chattanooga TN last year and it was the best concert I have ever been to. What a great story teller and the voice is unparalleled, still at 65. Peace to you brother, even though we’ve never spoken I feel as if I have known you for years, due to your beautiful music. You will be missed.
April 15, 2019 @ 7:16 am
He inspired many. Our prayers are with him and his family
April 15, 2019 @ 7:19 am
Hal, you will always remain at the top of my play list! Listening to your music brings back great & fun memories.
My prayers are with you and your family. Prayers for you!
April 15, 2019 @ 7:33 am
Hal is one of the first videos I Seen when we first got CMT loved him then and still love him Prayers to all and God bless all
April 15, 2019 @ 7:44 am
Very sorry to hear this. His website recently took down his 2018 tour schedule and I’ve been checking the site for his 2019 schedule. Saw HK at the Franklin Theater a little over 2 years ago. He put on a great show. The most frequently played song in my i-tunes library is a Ketchum song, Daddy’s Oldsmobile. Hal wrote it with David Mallett. A few of his solo writing efforts include “I Miss My Mary”, “She’s Still in Dallas” and “I Know Where Love Lives”.
April 15, 2019 @ 7:58 am
We’ve known Hal since his upstate ny days. I gave him banjo lessons and he did carpentry work in our home in Saratoga Springs. He was always such an amazing singer but we never imagined how he would rocket to stardom. We did keep in touch with him from time to time over the years. Once he showed up at our place in his huge tour bus, came in for a visit, and checked the house to see how much it might have “settled” from the wall he knocked out. I still have a demo cassette that he made before he went to Nashville. We also organized a concert to benefit local treasure venue Caffe Lena. Hal played for free and we used the money to buy a new piano for the Caffe. We’re very sad to hear this…
April 15, 2019 @ 8:15 am
I have enjoyed Hal’s music from the days of “Past The Point of Rescue”. He had a great talent. God bless him and those who care for him.
April 15, 2019 @ 8:46 am
Love Hal’s music, as a broadcaster, I don’t know how many artists I’ve interviewed who said they played Small Town Saturday Night when they were starting out. CKNX still plays your music Hal, it stands the test of time. We wish you and your family well. ~ John Marshall.
March 9, 2020 @ 5:06 pm
CKNX knows the good ol country…Hal Ketchum is an awesome performer, small town Saturday night, we all grew up in one , I know I did, had me at past the point of rescue, all the very best to you & your family Hal, God bless love your music Anita Gagnon Elliot Lake Ontario Canada
April 15, 2019 @ 9:29 am
I am sorry Hal is going through this, we know it can’t be easy for him or his family…Thoughts and prayers.
April 15, 2019 @ 10:02 am
I love listening to his songs. It is a sad thing that this disease is stealing him from his friends and family. May you gather strength from the prayers sent your way.
April 15, 2019 @ 10:41 am
To echo what many have said here , Hal’s vocals are always a notch above EVERYONE’S …the man can sing sing sing ….and with a character that always set him apart and touched us emotionally . Not to mention his ear for a GREAT song lyric and melody ….cause he can sing any and all of it like few can . VERY few .
” Smalltown Sat Night ‘ has been a constant in our repertoire for years .Folks love it . And just yesterday at a huge jam featuring some of the best singers and players in our neck of the woods (Vancouver BC ) some of Hal’s stuff came up ….such a joy to play it .
God bless him and his family
April 15, 2019 @ 11:12 am
So sorry to hear this one of my all time favorite country singer.
April 15, 2019 @ 11:48 am
What a very sad day for many, many people. I have lived Hal’s voice since the first time I heard it at the Perris fairs grounds in California. My daughter and I were standing by her 4 H pig and I heard him performing. I had to go closer and find out who was singing. Saw him for the first time at the Escondido performing arts center. Wow it was amazing and I couldn’t believe how handsome he was. The whole package… lol. I have seen him in many different venues over the years. Mostly in California, but one year my husband fly us to see his come back show in Texas at Gruene Hall. He bought the plane ticket and set up the entire weekend because Hal hasn’t been to California for sometime. I also bought a whole table of tickets (10) at the coach house a month later and invited a group of friends. Which they then became fans! Hal and Kenny together became my favorite of all times. What a great show they always put on. I’ll never forget the times he sang The Maker A-cappella. I was blown away at the beauty of his voice and the lyrics of that song. So, many of his songs just touch your soul and make you appreciate the people and things you have. Sure love helped me through a hard time in my marriage. Been married 38 years blessed to say
❤️ My prayers ???? for all Andrea, his kids, Kenny, his family of friends and fans. We love you and are thankful for all the wonderful memories to hold dear to our hearts????????and ✌️
April 15, 2019 @ 12:28 pm
God bless you all. May your time together now be very special. Hal was a wonderful musician. I literally ran into him at BNA. Very nice man.
April 15, 2019 @ 1:39 pm
I became a fan listening to past the point of rescue.Every track was great no fillers.Your voice and songs will live on for years . May God bless you and your family.
April 15, 2019 @ 2:26 pm
I once made a peace pipe for Hal leaving it in the care of a Ohio venue. Years later at Bill Worrell’s Christmas party I told Hal that. The pipe never made it to him. We had a great time at that party with our dear friend Walt Wilkins listening to them trade stories. Hal had always been a favorite and followed every release from beginning to end! I hope he gets his due rest. Aho Hal and thank you!
April 15, 2019 @ 3:41 pm
Iam so heartbroken. Hal, and family, i am praying for you. MayThe Lord cover you with His love. Your music was a part of my life, and i will be listening to every word you wrote. GOD BLESS YOU from Texas
April 15, 2019 @ 3:59 pm
I love to hear all of Hal’s songs. I wish him well and sending lots of prayers for Hal and his family.
April 15, 2019 @ 4:31 pm
I loved Hal’s music from the 1st time I heard it back in the 80’s. My Dad worked security pout at the Tulsa City Limits and I had the privilege of getting to see him play there. I am so sorry that he suffers from that awful disease, but at the same time I’m happy that he doing well otherwise. He’s home with his family which is wonderful. No one really truly knows how much time any of us really has here on this earth. So just kick back and enjoy life and this time together. Best wishes for you Hal Ketchum and your family . You have definitely made your mark in this world and in country music!
April 15, 2019 @ 4:34 pm
That’s too bad. Pretty good singer IMO. I have to say that from the mid 80’s to the mid 90’s country music had very very long list of artists that had their very own distinctive vocal sound and a lot of those artists had success, you certainly didn’t have to rely on a DJ to tell you who it was like you do today. Hal certainly had a very good voice, I’ve always been thankful to have been able to get to hear and watch such a long list of artist in their prime and all at one time. It was full of all stars.
April 15, 2019 @ 5:40 pm
I agree with Mark Miller, love that line ‘Love is a word for better left unsaid’. I will miss seeing him perform. I was a young man in the Navy during Desert Storm/Shield, and I took his music around the circumference of the globe. I sang his songs in Singapore, Korea, Thailand, and on the deck of the USS Harry W. Hill across so many oceans. Held onto ‘every little word’. He taught me the poetry for songwriting. He showed sensitivity in poetry while still being a man. (Threadbare Aliby) If Hemingway was country……I absolutely loved his music! Enjoy your family Hal!
April 15, 2019 @ 8:18 pm
This diagnosis has Lyme disease written all over it. I hope they will consider getting him in to see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) to rule it out. Best to you, Mr. Ketchum, prayers for you and your family!
April 16, 2019 @ 8:17 am
I had the privilege of seeing Hal play in Toronto whenever he would come to town in the 90’s. He always played the same bar and would meet us (I was in local radio at the time) before the show in very informal meet’n’greet in an apartment lobby next door. I remember his gentleness and how he said he liked Toronto because it reminded him of San Francisco. No one has ever compared Toronto to San Francisco before but I get where he was coming from and it showed his unique view of the world. I asked him once how he hits that long note in I Know Where Love Lives night after night. He replied “I just start it and hope the air lasts until the end” I would watch in awe every time as he nailed it.
I wish you well Hal and I know it’s not enough, but thank you for the music. Thank you for the music that has been there when I needed it to lift me up or to console me. Please know that all you gave to get on that stage or record that next song was appreciated by those of us who bought a ticket or a cd and listened to every note. I’ll end with what you always said to me in our brief encounters in that apartment lobby. Peace.
April 16, 2019 @ 4:33 pm
so sad. i was privileged enough to get to open for him a few years back. he was very kind to me. and as a long time fan, when he got to the mic to sing, THAT voice…….. (and those crazy stories….)
April 16, 2019 @ 5:49 pm
Prayers for you and your family! It is a terrible disease and I want you to know Hal and his music took me through some lonely years back in the 90’s. Thankful for the hours of music I listened to and it made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Sorry I wasn’t able to catch one of your shows. My nephew is living in Nashville trying to make it in Country Music. He has opened for a lot of famous ones but just can’t get a label.
Pray everyday is a blessing for you and your family and God is with you every step of the way.
Thank you for all you have given us!
April 17, 2019 @ 2:20 pm
Yes, please have Hal tested for Lyme’s disease. It happened to Kris Kristofferson.
April 18, 2019 @ 7:12 pm
My husband and I love Hal’s music. Lucky to have been at Greune Hall this past year to see a great show.
Our best to your family as you face the future. We are just down the road in Dripping Springs if you ever just want to go for a drive.
April 19, 2019 @ 5:15 pm
I would like to say how sorry I am that Hal and family are facing this dreaded disease. My Dad had it and it is so sad to see your loved one slipping away and not be able to stop them. My love goes out to you along with my prayers that GOD will be there to comfort and strengthened you ????????
July 15, 2019 @ 1:56 pm
My Cousin Laura Gene Blythe A Big Fan She’s Painted A Pretty Picture Of Him and sent it too him We. Was All Fans I Still Am We Hate So Bad We Send Him Are Best Wishes Love Laura Priscilla And Joe
October 7, 2019 @ 1:50 pm
The PBS special on Country Music prompted me to think of the many artists that I’ve appreciated over the years. Hal Ketchum came to mind immediately. He is up there with Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Nancy Griffith and a few others. He is incredible with music and lyrics, packing so much feeling and story history into his songs. Incredible. I’m listening to him right now. Thank you, Hal, for many years of great tunes.
Hal is my age, 66. Aging is full of unexpected body diagnoses. I am very sad that Hal is experiencing one of the worst. God bless you all every day.
October 10, 2019 @ 1:22 pm
So very sorry to hear this. I have seen Hal many times in many places (Tucson, Denver, Santa Barbara) and have all his albums. His voice is so unique and easy to listen to. Thank you, Hal.
December 30, 2020 @ 7:46 pm
I was so sad to hear Hal’s passing. So, so sorry. He suffers no more thankfully.
Like a few on here, I LOVE the song, “Better Left Unsaid”
I once saw Hal in Marble Falls at a place that sits on 281 and the Lake. There is a restaurant there with a big patio sitting out over the water. Tommy Alverson was there along with a few other musicians. It was AWESOME! I think it was a benefit for someone local on a Sunday.
If anyone was there and can recall who the other musicians were that performed I would be grateful to know. It was a stellar show.