Hal Ketchum dies at age 67

Rolling Stone called him a “hit country singer” while CNN called him “legendary.” The title of his last album deemed him a “troubadour.” For everything that he was to the world of country music, he was also special to the people of the Wimberley Valley as he passed in and out of town over his years moving from Nashville back to Central Texas before settling into Fischer for what would be the final decade of his life.

Hal Michael Ketchum, 67, of Fischer, Texas died on the night of November 23, 2020. His wife Andrea said that he passed away of complications from dementia, the disease that ushered him off the stage in 2018. He is survived by his wife, five children and several grandchildren.

“May his music live on forever in your hearts and bring you peace,” Andrea posted on Ketchum’s official Facebook page following his death.

Ketchum’s first and last official shows were at Gruene Hall with plenty of life in the middle. His voice, and perhaps his notably handsome looks, made people take notice initially, but work with musicians like Jerry Jeff Walker, Townes Van Zandt and Lyle Lovett helped nurture his creative talents until he was also known as a respected songwriter.

His songs were on the Billboard Country chart 17 times including 15 top 10 singles with “Small Town Saturday Night,” “Past the Point of Rescue” and “Hearts Are Gonna Roll” each eventually reaching No. 2. He was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, which dedicated last weekend’s show in his honor.

“One thing that stood out about Hal was his continued love for his fans, and he gave as much of himself to them as possible,” Tracie Ferguson, Ketchum’s longtime friend and Booking Agent at Gruene Hall, told CNN. “His kindness and sweet spirit will be remembered by everyone who knew or met him.”