History of Hal Ketchum in Timeline
Hal Michael Ketchum was a prominent American country music singer and songwriter. Active from 1986 to 2014, he released eleven studio albums, nine of which were under Curb Records. His 1991 album "Past the Point of Rescue" achieved gold certification by the RIAA, marking his peak commercial success. Throughout his career, Ketchum charted seventeen singles on Billboard's Hot Country Songs, with three reaching the No. 2 spot: "Small Town Saturday Night," the title track "Past the Point of Rescue," and "Hearts Are Gonna Roll." His musical style is characterized by strong songwriting and folk influences. Ketchum retired in 2019 after being diagnosed with dementia.
April 9, 1953: Hal Ketchum Born
Hal Michael Ketchum was born on April 9, 1953, in Greenwich, New York.
1981: Move to Austin
Hal Ketchum moved to Austin, Texas, in 1981.
1985: Start of Singing and Songwriting
Hal Ketchum began singing and songwriting, performing at small Texas clubs in 1985.
1986: Career Beginnings
Hal Ketchum released his first studio album and had success at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 1986.
1986: Kerrville Folk Festival Win
Hal Ketchum won the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Singer-Songwriter Contest in 1986.
1988: "Heartbreak Hotel" Appearance
Hal Ketchum appeared in the film "Heartbreak Hotel" in 1988.
1988: Debut Album Release
Hal Ketchum's debut album, "Threadbare Alibis," was released in 1988.
1988: Original "Past the Point of Rescue" Release
The song "Past the Point of Rescue" was originally a hit in Ireland for Mary Black in 1988.
1991: Breakthrough Album
Hal Ketchum released his most successful album, "Past the Point of Rescue," in 1991, which achieved gold certification.
1991: "Past the Point of Rescue" Release
Hal Ketchum's album "Past the Point of Rescue" was released in 1991, featuring hit singles like "Small Town Saturday Night" and the title track.
1992: "Sure Love" Album Release
Hal Ketchum released the album "Sure Love" in 1992, which included the hit singles "Hearts Are Gonna Roll" and "Mama Knows the Highway".
1992: "Five O'Clock World" Release
Hal Ketchum's rendition of "Five O'Clock World" reached the top 20 of Hot Country Songs in 1992.
1994: "Maverick" Cameo
Hal Ketchum made a cameo appearance in the film "Maverick" in 1994.
1994: "Every Little Word" Release and Opry Induction
Hal Ketchum released the album "Every Little Word" and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1994.
June 1998: Acute Transverse Myelitis Diagnosis
Hal Ketchum was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis in June 1998, which affected his ability to walk and play guitar.
1998: "I Saw the Light" Release
Hal Ketchum released the album "I Saw the Light," featuring a cover of Todd Rundgren's song, in 1998.
1999: "Awaiting Redemption" Release
Hal Ketchum released the album "Awaiting Redemption" in 1999.
2001: "Lucky Man" Release
Hal Ketchum released the album "Lucky Man" in 2001.
2002: Art Exhibit
Hal Ketchum's artwork was displayed at the Pena Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2002.
2004: "King of Love" Release
Hal Ketchum released the album "King of Love" in 2004.
2006: Charting Singles End
Hal Ketchum's last entries on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts occurred in 2006.
2008: "Father Time" Release
Hal Ketchum released the album "Father Time" in 2008.
2010: Move to Texas and Continued Performances
After moving back to Texas in 2010, Hal Ketchum continued to perform at various venues.
2014: Final Album Release
Hal Ketchum released his final studio album, "I'm the Troubadour", in 2014.
2014: "I'm the Troubadour" Release
Hal Ketchum released the album "I'm the Troubadour" in 2014.
April 14, 2019: Dementia Diagnosis Announcement
Hal Ketchum's wife announced his dementia diagnosis on April 14, 2019.
2019: Retirement from Music
Hal Ketchum retired from the music business in 2019 due to his dementia diagnosis.
November 23, 2020: Hal Ketchum's Death
Hal Ketchum passed away on November 23, 2020, due to complications from dementia.