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Just spotted the following message from Hal on his 'MySpace' website:Hello Friends and Neighbors! Some news to share, Curb Records is going to radio with my new single, "Alamo" on May 17th. Leann Rimes is singing with me and sounds just great. So I hope you get to hear it on a radio near you soon! Just got back from Florida and off again this week to Texas. We have some cold weather in Nashville lately, but summer's on the way... See you at the next stop- Peace Uncle Hal [18 Apr 07] I recieved an email from the Academy Club in Basingstoke regarding the photos taken at Hal's concert there on 14th March. They are trying to set up a system where, for a small charge, you can order a photo of your choice, on their On-Line shop (proceeds of which will go to their local Breast Cancer Charity fund). They do not have the time or manpower to be able to keep printing, packing and sending lots of photo’s, so the pictures will come to you in the form of an attachment on an e mail and you can print off any size or quantity that you want. Just keep checking the Basingstoke Academy web site and wait for the “Order your Photos Here” link. [14 Apr 07] Hal's Official Website will be online soon!! There is a short article on Hal on the Texarkana Gazette website by Anthony Davis entitled 'Hal Ketchum enjoys resurgence in Texas country music'. (On April 21 Hal will be playing at the Music City Texas Theatre in Linden, Texas.) Hal says he just completed a new single and video with LeAnn Rimes named In Front of the Alamo, which is scheduled for release on May 17 2007. [13 Apr 07] Hal is scheduled to appear at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday 15th May 2007, and again on Saturday 26th May 2007. You can listen to the shows online on the WSM website. [13 Apr 07] Hal fan Julie was lucky enough to see Hal at the Crystal Palace, Bakersfield, CA. on Thursday 5th April 2007 and has kindly shared her photos with us. CLICK HERE to see them. Thanks Julie! [11 Apr 07] Many happy returns to Hal who celebrated his 54th birthday on Monday 9th April 2007. Many thanks to Hal fan Karen who was lucky enough to attend the show at the Black Oak Casino, CA. on 4th April 2007 and had kindly shared her wonderful photos with us. CLICK HERE to see them. [7 Apr 07] There is a short interview with Hal on the Bakersfield Californian website, titled 'Catch up with Ketchum at the Crystal Palace' written by Erik Loyd. There is also a short audio recording of Hal talking about his popularity in Britain and Ireland. [7 Apr 07] New tour dates just announced on the Pollstar website:
 On 1st April 2007, Hal Ketchum was a guest on the Johnnie Walker radio show. You can listen to the show online on the BBC Radio 2 website for the next few days. Hal talked about his daughter coming along with him on his recent tour to the UK, the Katie Cook duet on his new album, his guitar strap which comes from a Navaho Reservation, living in Greenwich, NY. as a boy, travelling, his Publishing Company Spikehorn Music, a tribute record to Charlie Daniels he is planning on doing in May, and carpentry. Hal also sang 'One More Midnight' and Travelin' Teardrop Blues' live in the studio.[1 Apr 07] Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 31st March 2007, between 8.30 - 9pm and 10.30 - 11pm. Unfortunately the archives for this show are not available on the WSM website. [27 Mar 07]
The Academy Club in Basingstoke has loads of great photos of Hal and his Band and Brendan Quinn in concert on Wednesday 14th March 2007 on their website. CLICK HERE to see them.[26 Mar 07] I was listening to Bob Preedy's Country Radio Show on BBC Radio York yesterday, and he said that Hal's record company were releasing the title song of Hal's new CD 'One More Midnight' as a single in the UK on 9th April 2006. [26 Mar 07] Just read the following on the JW Promotions website: JW Promotions have just finished a very successful three week run of sold out shows with Hal Ketchum. We intend re touring with Hal for 25 shows in April 08 - tour dates to be released soon. There are also a few pics of Hal on his tour on their website. [25 Mar 07] I have also heard that a Live DVD of Hal in concert has been recorded in Ireland, apparently the DVD also contains back stage and encore footage and also has a complete tracklisting and discography for his fans. Hope that's true! [25 Mar 07] There is a nice article about Hal on the Suffolk News-Herald website, written by Kelli Davis, CLICK HERE to read it. [24 Mar 07] BBC Radio Shropshire Country Show presenter Marie Crichton was at Hal's concert in Wolverhampton last week and she said on her show on Monday night that she had a great response from her listeners about Hal's concert in Stockport. [21 Mar 07] There is a great article about Hal on the Port Folio Weekly website, written by Jim Newsom, entitled Soulful Country Music Man. [20 Mar 07] Many thanks to Andy Cole who has written an excellent review of Hal Ketchum's show at the Academy Club in Basingstoke on 14th March, CLICK HERE to read it. Andy just had his first ever review printed in the April issue of Maverick magazine (review of Canadian singer/songwriter Alana Levandoski). [19 Mar 07] I also got to see two Hal concerts last week, The Robin 2 in Wolverhampton and Stockport Town Hall, and have posted my photos onto my Webshots album if anyone would like to see them. I have now finished my review, but I don't think I can do as well as Andy! [19 Mar 07] On Wednesday 21st March 2007, there was a webcast on WAMC of Hal's concert at the Egg, Albany, NY. from 2006. [19 Mar 07] New tour dates just posted on the Pollstar website:
[11 Mar 07] On Friday 9th March 2007, Hal Ketchum was in session and conversation with McLean's Country. He talked about his new album One More Midnight and his very special relationship with Ireland. Hal and Kenny Grimes performed two songs live in the studio, a brand new song he had just written the day before called 'Yesterday's Gone', and also 'Past The Point of Rescue' You can listen to the archive of the show on Ralph McLean's web page for the next 7 days. [9 Mar 07] Hal has posted a message on his My Space website from Ireland, here is what it says: Greetings from Ireland everyone! We are having a great tour! The gigs are great. The feedback from the fans and all the radio is better than I could have hoped for! My nine year old daughter is with us and she has introduced me to the crowds a couple of times. I am so proud of her. We have a pretty hectic schedule for the rest of the month. A different city every night, with a show every night. The band and I are really looking forward to each and every show. If Keith spills coffee on me one more time I may just ship him back. Anyway friends that's it for now--see you back in the USA in April! Peace, Uncle Hal [7 Mar 07] There is a review of Hal's new CD 'One More Midnight' on the Americana UK website. [5 Mar 07] Just came across some wonderful photos on the FLICKR website of Hal and the band taken at the Sylvia Theater on 9th February 2007. CLICK HERE to see them. There are also some excellent photos of Hal taken by Peter H. Bick at the WFMS Country Music Expo in April 2006, on both his personal website and also the WFMS website. [3 Mar 07] Hal was interviewed by Mark Patterson on BBC Radio Foyle on Monday 26th February 2007. Hal sang 'I Know Where Love Lives', 'Past The Point of Rescue' and 'Awaiting Redemption' live in the studio accompanied by Kenny on guitar. [1 Mar 07] There is an article on Hal entitled 'Music and carpentry on the brain' on the Birmingham Post website, CLICK HERE to read it. [1 Mar 07] Thanks to Hal fan Karen for letting us know that Hal's show on 7th April 2007 at The Blank Club in San Jose, CA. has been cancelled. [28 Feb 07]
New tour dates just announced on Pollstar:
 The
March 2007 issue of
Country Music People magazine has an interview with Hal Ketchum and a review of
his new album 'One More Midnight'. The album was awarded three stars out of five, the reviewer Janet Aspley doesn't like all of the songs on the CD, but says it is "enough to satisfy those who are nostalgic for the catchy, radio-friendly Ketchum, while revealing the man’s softer, as well as his more experimental side". The interview is spread over four pages and Hal talks about his new CD, his painting, and playing the drums. He also says he has booked a session with LeAnn Rimes to record a duet vocal on 'The Alamo' for the US release of his CD. There is also another excellent article on the BlogCritics website written by Connie Phillips called 'The Art of a Hal Ketchum Song'. Hal is their featured artist for the month of February. [22 Feb 07]
Thanks to Hal fan John for letting us know about the great review of Hal's new CD 'One More Midnight' on the Coquet-Shack website.
CLICK HERE to read it.[19 Feb 07] Found three articles about Hal on Irish websites, his upcoming tour starts there on 22nd February. The first is on the Belfast Telegraph and is entitled 'Man of The Moment', the next is on The Kerryman website (you may need to register to read it) and is called 'One Hal of a treat in store for fans of country genre', and finally the Strabane Chronicle article is called 'Want Some Ketchum on That?'. [17 Feb 07] Blogcritics Magazine is featuring Hal as 'Artist of the Month' for February, and have just posted a great interview with him. Hal talks about songwriting, travelling, his new album and his UK tour. There is now also a great review of Hal's new album. [15 Feb 07] 
Congratulations to Hal and Gina on their 9th Wedding Anniversary on 14th February 2007.[13 Feb 07] Hal's new CD 'One More Midnight' was released in the UK today (12th February 2007). I got my copy this morning, and have to say I think it's one of Hal's best ever albums. I think my favourite song is Poor Lila's Ghost, but they are all so good it's hard to choose just one. The new album is CMR Nashville's current featured CD, and they are also promoting Hal's rescheduled show at The Acadamy, Basingstoke on 14th March 2007. The album is also the current 'recommended' country cd on HMV.CO.UK and the 'editor's choice' on PLAY.COM. [12 Feb 07] Hal fan Karen spotted an article about Hal on 'The Herald Online' website, which was written just before his show at the Sylvia Theater on 9th February 2007. CLICK HERE to read it. Thanks Karen! [11 Feb 07] Many thanks to Hal Fan Melanie who went to see Hal at the Joyful Noise Coffee House on Saturday 3rd February, and has written a great review of the show for us. CLICK HERE to read it. [9 Feb 07] Hal's official website is undergoing a revamp at the moment, coming soon will be a new mailing list and newsletter. [9 Feb 07] Hal's new album is due to be released in the UK on 12 February 2007, you can reserve a copy of the CD from HMV.CO.UK for only £8.99 (plus postage if you live in the US), or from AMAZON.CO.UK for £8.99 plus postage. The online radio station SPRAYDIO are already playing tracks from the CD. Just click on 'LYSSNA' to launch their music player. [9 Feb 07]
Hal Ketchum joined 3C's drivetime man Barry O'Neill on Friday 2nd February to preview his forthcoming album, 'One More Midnight'. Sorry I didn't know about it sooner to let everyone know, but I have written out the interview for you to read as best as I could. CLICK HERE to read it. 3c have archives on their site of past interviews, so hopefully this one might be added in the near future..[4 Feb 07] Just read the following review of Hal's new CD 'One More Midnight' on the Ireland Times website: Forthcoming visitor Hal Ketchum has been around the Nashville block a couple of times but it doesn't seem to dim his enthusiasm or blunt his edge. His albums always have something of interest in them, even if there is a fair bending of the knee to "music town's" love of a gauche lyric, a predictable melody and a good cause - the closing Medal of Honour pushes all three buttons. But there is nothing obvious about Poor Lila's Ghost, a 14-minute-plus folky epic which forms the centrepiece of the album. With lyrics written by the singer and music by producer guitarist Steve Sheehan, the song takes the singer on the sort of epic journey that's all too rarely heard on a country album. The rest of One More Midnight has it's moments, notably Travelin' Teardrop Blues and the brash opening title track. The following was found on the Country Music and Dance website: Curb have decided to release this CD on 5th February 2007 to coincide with Hal's forthcoming UK & Irish tour starting in Ireland on 22nd February and playing in Glasgow on 18th March. This is Hal‘s first recording in 2 years and starts with “One more midnight”, a great modern up-tempo trucking song and “Just this side of heaven” (1st single entered Billboard Charts in January) continues with great rocking guitar & steel, while “Travelling Teardrop blues” continues with a softer (Allan Reynolds produced) sound, developing the travelling theme and “Save tonight for me” slows the tempo with a great ballad and powerful delivery. Then its stirring guitars, bass & drums, laying the punchy track for “Gonna start livin' again” followed by soft acoustic and mandolin intro to the Gary Burr song “Alamo”,(a great place to make a stand…”) Great song! Then Hal spends nearly 15 minutes telling the wonderful story of “Poor Lila's Ghost” featuring guests Andrea Zonn and Tony Joe White. “My love will not change” is a bright love song while “Forever Mine” is a love ballad (written by Hal and Gina). Katie Cook duets on “One of the Things” a catchy love song, “The moment”, continuing the love theme, is another power ballad. “Little Red Dress” is a fun song taking us to keyboards and voice only on “Medal of Honour” a patriotic tribute to John D. O'Conner closing this great album. Overall this faultless production can only take Hal to a greater level as a singer of great songs, delivered with sincerity and strength. Classy varied collection of country songs from top writers played by top musicians and various producers, never losing sight, or sound, of the country edge. [5 Feb 07]
Just found out this morning that the Deco Theatre in Northampton, UK, where Hal was due to play on 14 March 2007, has closed until further notice. A new venue has been arranged, so Hal will now be appearing at The Academy, Basingstoke, Box Office No. 01256 327273 [2 Feb 07] On Wednesday 31st January, BBC Radio 2 country DJ Nick Barraclough interviewed Hal by telephone from Nashville on his show. You can hear the show for the next few days on Nick's site, he played Long Way Down, One More Midnight, part of Poor Lila's Ghost and Just This Side of Heaven. If you can't listen online and want to know what was said during the interview, CLICK HERE. [31 Jan 07]
Just came across a couple of articles on Hal on the internet, one from The Mousse Jaw Times Herald written before Hal's show in Mousse Jaw on Friday 26th January 2007, and the other from the Phoenixville News which was written just before Hal's show at the Colonial Theatre on 29th September 2006.[28 Jan 07]  The February 2007 issue of Maverick magazine features a three page article on Hal. He talks about his upcoming UK tour, his record company and his new CD. You can purchase a copy of the magazine from the Maverick website. [25 Jan 07] Many thanks to Hal fans Mary and Larry for sending me a link to some photos taken at Hal's 4th Annual Gruene Hal Reunion on 23rd September 2006. CLICK HERE to see them. [25 Jan 07]
Three new tour dates just announced on Pollstar:
Online radio station SPRAYDIO.COM now has Hal's new CD, 'One More Midnight', on their playlist. You will need to sign on, it is a bit difficult as I think it's a Swedish station, but once you have a username you can request one of the songs from the CD and it will be played within about an hour. You need to choose the 'Nashville' station from the list on the left and you will see the link to Hal's CD near the top of the next page. The only song that they don't seem to play is Poor Lila's Ghost, because it's too long. [17 Jan 07] Just came across a video of Hal singing 'Small Town Saturday Night' live at the Egg in Albany, NY. It's on the MySpace website, posted by a country fan called Wendy. CLICK HERE to see it. [17 Jan 07] The following tour dates have been announced on the Pollstar website:
Many thanks to Hal fan Julie who was listening to the Opry Warm Up Show on Saturday night, and let us know that she heard Hal talking about his new CD, which is going to be called 'One More Midnight'. It is due for release in the UK on 12th February 2007, and will be released in the US later in the year. You can purchase a copy of the CD from HMV.CO.UK for only £8.99 (plus postage if you live in the US), or from
AMAZON.CO.UK for £11.99 plus postage.There is a review of the album on the Country Music and More website. The track listing is as follows:
Hal will be appearing at Club Helsinki, Great Barrington, MA. on Friday 2nd February 2007, and at The Blank Club, San Jose, CA. on Saturday 7th April 2007.Thanks to Hal fans Mary and Larry for informing us that Hal's show at the Stone Church in New Hampshire has been changed to Thursday 1st February 2007. I was just looking at Hal's official website, and spotted a page called 'new stuff', there is a link on it to a short audio clip of Hal singing 'One More Midnight'. Hal sang this song on the Opry on Saturday 25th November 2006, so you can hear the full live version on the archives section of the WSM website (4hrs 1min). Hal performed at the Grand Ole Opry (Ryman Auditorium) on Saturday 30th December 2006. He sang Five O'Clock World (1hr 1min), Small Town Saturday Night (1hr 25mins), Past The Point of Rescue (4hrs 3mins) and Stay Forever (4hrs 25mins). You can listen to the archives of the show on the WSM website.
Check out the Tennessean Web Site for a great interview with Hal and his lovely daughter Fani Rose, who are both taking part in Nashville Ballet's Nutcracker. There are more details of the ballet on the Daily News Journal website: Grand Ole Opry Star Hal Ketchum will star as Mother Ginger in the 2 p.m. Dec. 22 performance of Nashville Ballet's "Nutcracker." The ballet will be performed in Tennessee Performing Arts Center's Jackson Hall, Nashville. Other performance times for the ballet, without Ketchum, include Dec. 15-18. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 255-2787, or visit www.nashvilleballet.com, any Ticketmaster outlet, the TPAC box office or Davis-Kidd Booksellers in the Mall at Green Hills. Many thanks to Hal fan Karen for the following info from the Tennessean website: Things to Do: Hal Ketchum, friends hit Green's Grocery Wednesday night By VICKI STOUT For Williamson A.M. LEIPER'S FORK COMMUNITY — Give yourself an early Christmas gift … a ticket to An Old Fashioned Christmas, a rocking holiday show featuring Hal Ketchum and friends at Green's Grocery in Leiper's Fork at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The annual event benefits the Montessori School of Franklin, but the true beneficiaries are the 100 patrons who attend this great show. Ketchum, of course, needs no introduction. A recording artist extraordinaire, often dubbed "The King of Love," he commands the stage at huge venues around the world. So think of him on the stage at Green's, arguably the finest music venue in this county or next door in Music City. Intimate, state-of-the-art sound and lights, and Hal Ketchum. It doesn't get much better than that. Ah, but it does. Hal will bring his songwriter bud Marcus Hummon to the stage for this show. Hummon alone is worth the price of admission. This prolific songwriter has written numerous hits including the Dixie Chicks' Ready to Run and Cowboy Take Me Away, not to mention Alabama's Cheap Seats and Wynonna's Only Love. Not only is he a wonderful writer, he's a great entertainer. Humble but personable, he brings his own brand of magic. Also on the lineup is one of Leiper's Fork's own, Pete Wasner, an incredible musician. Now, not only does this event provide world-class entertainment but also food and drink. Don't come expecting dinner, but there's plenty of finger food and sweet treats to savor, not to mention some spirited libations. The huge bonfire outside will be armed with marshmallows ready for the roasting as well. To reserve tickets, call 794-0567. A word to the wise: Do so tomorrow Also thanks to Hal fan Suzanne for the following review of the Carols By Candlelight show she attended last week: Last night my Hubby and I went to see Hal perform at a benefit, “Carols by Candlelight”, for the Make A Wish foundation in Escondido , CA - along with Jamie O’Neal, Ty Herndon, JoDee Mesina, and organizer Buck Howdy. For Hal’s portion of the show Kenny Grimes accompanied him and he sang: The Christmas Song Past the Point of Rescue I Know Where Love Lives Small Town Saturday Night I’ll Be Home for Christmas He told his talking dog joke, which starts “I was driving down this road…” and talked about his girls visiting Santa Clause & his reindeers that day and how one of them told him on the phone that she got a big clump of reindeer hair. ‘He’s so proud.’ He was talking about this being a good time of year to count your blessings and that he was blessed….”You know what the difference is between a puppy and a musician? The puppy stops whining after 6 weeks.” After each of the performers did their portion of the show, they all came out on stage and sang “Go Tell It on the Mountain” then invited the audience out into the court yard of the Arts Center (great venue) to light a candle and sing Silent Night with the performers. After Buck Howdy thanked everyone for coming and the candles were lit, it got real quiet – getting ready to sing Silent Night - and you hear “so I was driving down the road”… LOL…and then it did get quiet and everyone sang. It was a great show!
Just spotted the following on Hal's Official Web Site - Calling all Hal fans! Performing Songwriter Magazine is compiling a list of the 99 greatest songs of all time by fans voting. How cool would it be for Hal if we all voted for his song Stay Forever as the best love song ever?! Click on the link and vote, and vote for your personal favorites too! Let's get Hal in the top 99!! Also this site is under improved management and we are going to start a great email newsletter so be sure and re-sign up on the mailing list today!!! http://www.performingsongwriter.com/pages/home/99songs.cfm Hal performed at the Grand Ole Opry (at the Ryman Auditorium) on Saturday 25th November 2006. He sang Five O'Clock World (1hr), Past The Point of Rescue (1hr 23mins), One More Greyhound (4hrs 1min) and Small Town Saturday Night (4hrs 21mins). You can listen to the archives of the show online on the WSM website. Thanks again to Hal fan Karen for letting me know the following message has just been posted on Hal's Official website: Curb Records UK will be releasing Hal's new CD in February to launch his UK tour the same month! His US release will be the second half of 07! Check back for details! 13 Brand new songs! Be sure to check all Hal's tour dates for '07 as he is getting very busy to promote his new release. The Del McCoury band just recorded Hal's song 'Evangeline' for their new record! Hal will be in CA in December to perform at the Make a Wish KSON benefit. Hal performed at the Grand Ole Opry (at the Ryman Auditorium) again on Saturday 18th November 2006. He sang Past The Point of Rescue (18mins), Five O'Clock World (4hrs 1min) and Stay Forever (4hrs 27mins). You can listen to the archives of the show online on the WSM website. Hal will be performing at the Ryman again on Saturday 25th November, between 7.30 to 8pm and 10.30 to 11pm.
New tour dates just posted on Pollstar:
Hal performed at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 11th November 2006, he sang 'John D O'Connor's Medal of Honour' (2hrs 10mins), I think that's what it's called, Hal said it was a new song he just recorded the day before, 'Five O'Clock World' (2hrs 15mins), 'Medal of Honour' again (5hrs 3mins) and 'Small Town Saturday Night' (5hrs 30mins). You can listen to the archives of the show on the WSM website. 
There is a new photo on the CMT website of Hal and Gina taken at the BMI Country Music Awards on 4th November 2006. Just go to THIS PAGE, scroll down, and click on 'view photos from the BMI awards'. Hal and Gina are picture number two.Many thanks to Hal fan Karen for the following: Hal will be performing Barona's Carols by Candlelight at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido on 8th and 9th December 2006. It is an annual holiday concert to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego. This special family event includes celebrity performers, who sing holiday songs, as well as their own hits on stage, and join the audience for outdoor caroling by candlelight after the performance. CLICK HERE for more details.  Hal recorded a short jingle for a radio campaign called 'Don't Mess With Texas'. CLICK HERE to listen to it.A video of Hal singing 'King of Love' at the Grand Ole Opry has been posted on the Google website.
Thanks to Mary and Larry for the following review of Hal's show at The Claremont, NH. I am so looking forward to seeing Hal here in UK next year, check out the tour dates page for more details.October 1, 2006 Cannot believe it has already been a month since Hal did his tour of the Northeast. This two-week run of nonstop shows proves Hal is back and ready to play. Sooo great to see him in such good form and looking healthier every year. For everyone in the UK lucky enough to see Hal do 21 dates in a row, look out! He gets better with every show. Hal's two-week run ended in New Hampshire with the longest show we have ever seen, and there have been quite a few. Hal performed eighteen songs leaving plenty of room for everyone to stretch out. The set list kept us rocking to the hits while introducing six unrecorded gems. Hope they all make it onto his new album. The second song of the night was one I have not heard anyone post before. He never said, but the title might be 'Tell Her I Love Her' and starts out: "She's the ghost of her mama, pride of her daddy" and the chorus has a line: "So if you're the one who created this creature, tell her I love her, lord help me please". Sure sounded like Hal's songwriting to me. In Front of the Alamo and Fly were two additional songs we have never heard live. Two more hits in the making. Being fortunate enough to take Hal up on his website offer we have been playing the recording all month. Just knowing there are six or seven unheard songs already finished keeps us listening to the Opry on Saturday nights. If history repeats itself Hal will be kicking off this new one on your side of the pond. You are all in for a big treat! We get him back for one more night in New Hampshire before the UK run though. Hope he brings some new CDs with him. ENJOY!!!
Just read the following on the Halfriends website:Hal Ketchum has collaborated with Nashville Ballet in the past with beautiful vocals in 'Awaiting Redemption". This December, he will join his daughter in the holiday tradition of "Nutcracker" as he guest-stars in the role of "Mother Ginger". What a great Christmas treat for all! Several new tour dates have just been announced on Pollstar:
Hal's show at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, VA, has been rescheduled for 24th March 2007.
Did anyone see Hal on GAC last week? Apparently he was interviewed as part of their Grand Ole Opry week - Monday-Friday, October 16-20 GAC Master Series Opry Theme Week 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET Master Series host Bill Cody speaks with veteran Opry performers Hal Ketchum (Monday), Marty Stuart (Tuesday), Vince Gill (Wednesday), Porter Waggoner (Thursday) and Earl Scruggs (Friday). I would love to get a copy of the show, did anyone watch it, or even better, record it? If so, please email me. Thanks again to Marcella who has sent us some new photos of Hal at the Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria, VA. on 26th September 2006. CLICK HERE to see them. Hal performed at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 21st October 2006, he sang Past The Point of Rescue (2hrs 3mins), Stay Forever (2hrs 23mins), Five O'Clock World (4hrs 31mins) and Small Town Saturday Night (4 hrs 53mins). You can listen to the archives of the show on the WSM website. The Tupelo Music Hall have posted some photos of Hal in concert on 4th October 2006. CLICK HERE to see them. Many thanks to Hal fan Marcella who went to see Hal at the Palace Theater, Cape Charles, VA. on 24th September 2006 and has kindly shared her photos with us. CLICK HERE to see them. Marcella also wrote a great review of the show which was posted on the Daily Times Delmarva Now website. The following tour dates have just been announced on the Pollstar website:
I was so sorry to learn of the passing of Harold Fickling on the morning of his 71st birthday. Harold and his late wife Linda were possibly Hal’s greatest fans. I am sure many of you will have met Harold at concerts over the years, in fact I remember him tellng me that in 2004 he had seen Hal play 14 times. I never had the chance to meet him in person but I thought of him as a real gentle man and he will be sorely missed.An obituary for Harold was published on the Amarillo Globe News web site yesterday, you may need to register to view it, so if anyone is having problems with that, I have copied the main section of it HERE.
There is a great review of Hal's show at the Egg on 30th September on the Times Union website. CLICK HERE to read it.Just came across an interview Hal did with radio personality Ian Sterling at the end of last year, you can listen to it HERE (just scroll down the page). The venue for the UK tour date listed by Pollstar for 17 March 2007 has changed, it will now be at The Journal Tyne Theatre, Newcastle, UK. Many thanks to Mary and Larry for letting us know that Hal was interviewed this morning by Mark Healey on Wink 98.7 Country Radio, CLICK HERE to listen to their chat online, you need to scroll down the page to find the player. Just spotted some photos of Hal taken at the WSOC/Redneck Yacht Cruise, CLICK HERE to see them. New tour dates just announced on Pollstar:
Anna Marie, who has opened for Hal on a couple of occasions, will be hosting 'Writers in the Round' at the Martini Blues. The Back Porch,
5874 Edinger Ave. Huntington Beach, CA on Friday 8th September 2006.There is a short article on Hal on the Mail Tribune website, and it briefly mentions his new album: He's working on an album right now that he hopes will be out next month. "We've cut 15 songs," Ketchum said. "We're culling through, figuring out what we want to put on the record." We just spent last weeekend at Yorkshire Dales Country Music Festival where we got to see Boomer McLennan and the Rhythm Rangers again. If anyone wants to see the photos and video I took, CLICK HERE to visit my 'Boomer' web page. Boomer lives in the US and I think that it's great that his band comes over here every year to entertain the UK country music fans. I just spotted a short video taken quite a while ago of Hal singing Tennessee Stud along with Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs, Earl Scruggs and friends. Just to to www.youtube.com and search for Hal Ketchum, or CLICK HERE. Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 26th August 2006. You can listen to the archives of the show on the WSM website. Hal sang Five O'Clock World (1hr 33mins), Small Town Saturday Night (1hr 59mins), Awaiting Redemption with Vince Gill on guitar (4hrs 6mins) and Stay Forever (4hrs 30mins).
The following tour dates in Ireland for next year have just been announced, tickets will go on sale on 1st November 2006
Many thanks to Hal Fan Karen who was lucky enough to see Hal again at the Plumas County Fair on Friday 11th August, and has sent us some wonderful photos. CLICK HERE to see them. Hal is scheduled to appear at the Grand Ole Opry again on Saturday 26th August 2006. The archives of Hal's appearance at the Opry on 22nd July have now been uploaded onto the WSM website. Hal sang I Know Where Love Lives and I Miss My Mary (33 mins), Evangeline (1hr 23mins), Summertime (4hrs) and Stay Forever (4hrs 23mins). There is a lovely photo of Hal with Gina and Ray Price on the CMT website, just click on 'Browse All Hal Ketchum Photos'
Thanks to Hal fan Patty for letting us know that three new tour dates have been announced on Pollstar:
Hal has been booked to play at the Tupelo Music Hall, New Hampshire on 4th October, tickets are on sale now!There are two recent online articles on Hal, one on the Nashville City Paper website, and one on the Times Dispatch website. Many thanks to Hal fan Karen who went to the concert at the Black Oak Casino, Sonora, CA. on 29th June 2006, and has kindly sent some photos for us to see. CLICK HERE to see them. Another new tour date announced on Pollstar - Friday 22nd September at Tumbleweed Texas, Houston, TX. Thanks to Hal fans Mary and Larry for letting us know that Hal will be appearing at the Claremont Opera House in Claremont, NH. on 1st October 2006. It is a first come, first serve show where the best seats will be sold to the first people who call. More tour dates have just been announced on Pollstar:
Many thanks to Hal fan Pamela who has sent us some great photos that she took at the Bluebird Cafe in December 2005. CLICK HERE to see them. More tour dates from Pollstar:
Thanks to Patty for the following new tour dates:
Looks like Hal's tour of the UK which was supposed to be taking place in September/October 2006 is not going to happen till February/March 2007. Check out the JW Promotions Website for more details shortly.Two new tour dates from the Curb website:
More tour dates from the Pollstar website:
Just spotted some photos on the KYGO website of Hal at the Grizzly Rose taken on 24th March 2006. CLICK HERE to see them. The following tour dates have just been announced on Pollstar:
Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 15th April 2006, during the first segment (7 mins) he sang Five O'Clock World and Past The Point of Rescue, and on his second segment he sang Summertime (4hrs 4mins) and Stay Forever (4hrs 27mins). You can listen to the archives of the show on the WSM website.Just spotted this date on the Curb website: 24-Sep-06 -WSOC/Redneck Yacht Cruise Charlotte NC Three more tour dates have been posted on the Pollstar website:
There is an interesting article about Hal on the Music City News website. I also spotted some photos of Hal on the Leo Stokes website, but I'm not sure exactly when or where they were taken. Hal will be appearing at Argosy's Alton Belle Casino, Alton, IL. on Friday 23rd June and Saturday 24th June 2006. There is an article on Hal on the Colerado Springs Gazette website, CLICK HERE to read it. Many thanks to Hal fan Elsie for the link to the wonderful photos of Hal at the Snowball 2006 KIX 97.9 event last Saturday in Springfield, MA. CLICK HERE to see them.
The 'Biography' section on Hal's official website (www.halketchum.com) has just been updated, CLICK HERE to read it.Thanks to Mary and Larry who spotted the following tour dates on the Curb website:
We just spent the weeekend at Fort San Antone where we went to see the Boomer McLennan Band. I have added some photos to my Webshots Album if anyone wants to see them, they came out a bit too dark but never mind, Boomer was great as usual!
Hal appeared on the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 25th February 2006. He hosted the hour which is televised on the GAC channel, and he sang 'I Know Where Love Lives', 'Just This Side of Heaven' and 'Stay Forever'. You can now listen to the archives of the show on the WSM website.There is a a photograph of Hal with Trace Adkins on the CMT website. It was taken at a party to celebrate the platinum status of Adkins' latest album, Songs About Me. New tour date posted on Pollstar, Hal will be appearing at the Cher-ae Heights Casino, Trinidad, CA on Tuesday 16th May 2006. Thanks to Mary and Larry for letting us know about the new photos posted on the WYCD website, taken at the St Jude's Kids Radiothon, which raised $802,812! CLICK HERE to see the page, you will need to scroll right down to see them all. I also spotted a review of Hal's October show at the Birchmere on the Washington Post website, and also a couple of pics taken at the Riverfest in September 2005.
Just spotted the following review of Hal's new single on Billboard:Hal Ketchum is back with a shimmering new effort that boasts a radio-friendly melody and singalong chorus. "Just This Side of Heaven (Hal-Lelujah)" is a well-written love song riddled with romantic imagery. The best part of this delicious treat is Ketchum's vocal. He has long had one of the most unique voices in the industry. He is a stylist in the best sense of the word, an artist able to infuse any lyric with a sense of drama and urgency. This should remind programmers why he was blessed with a string of hits early on in his career. Here's hoping his brethren at country radio show him a little more love. Also thanks to Hal fan Brian for sending us the following info: Hal has almost cracked the top 50 in the Country charts at Radio and Records. He’s listed essentially at 52, second on the “Country New and Active” with 266 points (300 is number 50.) It’s encouraging to see 6 adds for the week, too. Hopefully it will keep moving upward.
Don't know if any Hal fans out there live in the right area to listen to 99.5 WYCD radio station, but Hal will be on there this morning (Friday 10th February) at around 9am, talking to Dr Don as part of their 2006 WYCD Country Cares For St. Jude Kids Radiothon. Just spotted this on the JW Promotions website:JW Promotions have confirmed that following the recent sell-out tour Hal Ketchum will do a 20 date UK tour in September/October 2006, dates and venues will be announced shortly. New tour date found on the Curb web site:
Hal's new single, 'Just This Side of Heaven', has climbed two places and is now at number 56 on the Billboard Country Singles Chart. I went to see Dierks Bentley in concert in Manchester last week, and had a great time. Took loads of photos of course, if anyone wants to see them, I have posted them on my Webshots Site.
Two new tour dates have just been announced on Pollstar:
Hal performed at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 17th December 2005. Hal sang The Christmas Song, Just This Side of Heaven, Past The Point Of Rescue and Five O'Clock World.
Just came across a few pics online of Hal taken at the Ramshead Tavern in October 2005. CLICK HERE to see them. Also thanks to Hal fan Jordan who has informed me that Hal's new single is now available to download from itunes. I also just found a site called Country and Western DJ.Com, where you can request the song, and also make a dedication if you so wish. I just requested it, and didn't have to wait too long till they played the song. The Launch website are also advertising the single for download at $0.99.
There is an article on John Corbett on the GAC website this week. Hal has co-written a song for John's new album, called Simple Man. The album is called Bottle of Whisky, and you can buy it from Shop at Home.
Just spotted the following on Hal's official site:
Don't miss Hal host the television show "Opry Live" on GAC Saturday December 17th at 7pm EST. It's a rare treat to hear and see Hal perform Christmas songs! Hal will be making a rare treasured performance at the Bluebird cafe on December 14th with fellow artist Ty Herndon and songwriter Beth Nielson Chapman. Tickets are going fast! Many thanks again to Hal fan Pamela who went to see Hal at the Opry on 26th November, and has sent some photos for us to see. I will add them to the page with Pamela's pics from Music City Texas. Hal sang Past The Point of Rescue, Stay Forever, Five O'Clock World and Small Town Saturday Night.
Many thanks to Hal fan Pamela who went to see Hal at the Music City Texas Theater on 19th November, and has shared a few photos with us. CLICK HERE to see them. There are also a few pics on the Music City Theater photo gallery page.
Just spotted the following message on Hal's Official Site:Hal's next single "Just This Side of Heaven" will be playing on your favorite country radio station on January 16, 2006. Fans will enjoy this song as one of his finest! Jam the request lines. Hallelujah! Hal is back! Hal will be making a rare treasured performance at the Bluebird cafe on December 14th with fellow artist Ty Herndon and songwriter Beth Nielson Chapman. Tickets are going fast! Hal will also be performing on the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Saturday November 26th. There is also an article about Hal on the Texarkana Gazette website, CLICK HERE to read it.
Just spotted a couple of photos of Hal at the Casino Regina on 6th September 2005, CLICK HERE to see them.Thanks again to Mary and Larry for letting us know that the Buisson Arts Center in Dahlonega, GA. have finally posted some photos of Hal's show there earlier this year. CLICK HERE to see them. Many thanks to Hal fans Stella and Mike who went to the show at the Buffalo Chip Saloon in Cave Creek, Arizona, on 5th November, and have kindly shared their photos with us. CLICK HERE to see them. Don't forget that Hal is scheduled to appear at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 26th November 2005 and Saturday 17th December 2005. Let's hope that Hal sings his new song 'Just This Side of Heaven', written by Doug Johnson, it is hopefully due for release in January 2006.
Just spotted a pic of Hal taken at the Lane Brody 4th Annual Benefit Special on October 24th at the Gibson Showcase Theater. CLICK HERE to see it.
Hal fan Elsie has been lucky enough to see Hal several times recently and has kindly written a review of the shows for us. CLICK HERE to read it. Thanks Elsie! Many thanks to Larry from New Hampshire who posted this message in the guestbook: Just coming down from the Claremont and Egg shows and wanted to let everyone know there are some good shots of Hal in Claremont at kixx.com. KIXX was the radio station who promoted the show and had a live remote outside in front of the venue. They have been great and still play Hal on the radio. They also did a four part interview that we should all try to get them to archive on their site. As you may know Hal had to cancel his NJ show because it was flooded and he had a pretty hard time making it up to NH. When Hal arrived the 11 days of rain stopped and there was a double rainbow over the Opera House. How cool is that? It was the best show yet! Thanks Hal Also thanks to Patty for sending me this info from the CMT website: Vince Gill, Hal Ketchum and Dan Seals are among the artists scheduled to perform at Lane Brody's benefit concert for animals, to be held at the Gibson Showcase in Nashville on Monday night (Oct. 24). Others joining Brody for the performance are Thom Bresh, Susan Haynes, Paulette Carlson and Patrick Henry Hughes. The Players, featuring several of Nashville's A-list studio musicians, will serve as the house band for the evening. The Players include drummer Eddie Bayers, bassist Michael Rhodes, guitarist Brent Mason, steel guitarist Paul Franklin and keyboardist John Hobbs. The event will raise money for Walden's Puddle, a wildlife rehabilitation center in Joelton, Tenn., and assist abandoned pets and animals following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Just been searching the internet and came across a few items of interest: 1) Video Clip of Hal with a message of support for the American Troops 2) Hal with Jerry Stroope at the Farm Aid Concert (this is an old one!) 3) Photos of Hal at Equiblues 2004 4) Photo of Hal with Debbie Duncan of KBCR taken July 2005 in Steamboat 5) Great photos of Hal taken at KGSR's Fan Fare Friday, June 24, 2005
There is a review of Hal's concert at The Egg, Albany, NY. on the Times Union website. I went to see Keith Urban last night in Birmingham, England, he was very good but not as good as Hal of course. I took a few photos and have posted them onto my Webshots Site if anyone would like to see them.
Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday 4th October, he sang Past The Point of Rescue, Five O'Clock World and Stay Forever.I came across a website recently called SingingFool.com where you can watch two of Hal's videos, 'Tonight We Just Might Fall in Love Again' and 'She Is'. Of course both of these videos are included in Hal's DVD Video Collection. It looks like Hal's show at Pure Country, CT on Thursday 13 October has been cancelled, I'm not sure but it seems that the venue has closed down.
I finally got the chance to see Hal in concert again on Friday 23rd September, at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield, England. CLICK HERE to read my review of the show. I have heard that Hal is planning another tour here next year, with hopefully more dates in England. I hope that's true!Just spotted a photo on the Webshots site of Hal when he appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday 16th August 2005. Looks like his daughter Ruby in the background. You can still listen to the archives of this show on the WSM website.
We went to see Alison Krauss and Union Station in Manchester last night, they were wonderful, I could imagine I was sat in the front row at the Grand Ole Opry! I managed to take a couple of pics if anyone wants to see them, CLICK HERE.Just spotted a photo of Hal when he appeared at Riverfest on Friday 9th September, CLICK HERE to see it. Many thanks to Hal fan Elsie for sending us a review and photos of the Gruene Hall Reunion in August 2005. CLICK HERE to see them. Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 27th August 2005. You can listen to the archives of the show on the WSM website. Hal sang Small Town Saturday Night (32mins), Past The Point of Rescue (58mins) and It's A Long Way Down (1hr 27mins). As most people know, I am a big fan of the Boomer McLennan Band, and I was lucky enough to see them again last weekend. I took lots of photos and have posted them on my Webshots Album if anyone would like to see them. I read an interesting article on actor/singer John Corbett this week. You can read the whole interview on the ContraCosta Times website (you need to register first), but here is a section where Hal is mentioned: Q: Did you still play? A The music kept going. We'd still get together and play. Last year, I was in Nashville, presenting at the CMT awards, and my buddy said 'Hey, we should try to make a record.' I got some great writers -- Tim Nichols, Hal Ketchum wrote two songs, Bernie Taupin. I financed the whole thing myself. Q: That's nice, not having to shill yourself to record labels A Yeah, that's the best thing. At the end of the day, they end up owning you. Hal Ketchum is a buddy of mine. He said "Don't do it." His label hasn't let him make a record in four years.
Two new tour dates have just been announced on the Pollstar website:
Hal performed at the Grand Ole Opry last night, Tuesday 16th August. He had all his family on stage with him, and he sang Past The Point of Rescue, Five O'Clock World and Small Town Saturday night. Hal said Sophia had just started walking. You can listen to the archives of the show on the WSM website, Hal comes on after 16 minutes. A new tour date has just been announced on the Pollstar website, Hal will be appearing at The Dame, Lexington, KY. on Thursday 29th September. Everyone who attended Hal's Gruene Hall Reunion this year certainly seems to have had a great time. Thanks to everyone who has written to tell me about it. Hal fan Pamela has sent in some great photos, CLICK HERE to see them. Susanne has posted more photos on her Yahoo Web Site, and TxHalFan wrote the following in the Guestbook: We went to the Gruene Hall reunion concert last night. It was another wonderful show. I was surprised to see all the tables in the hall had been moved outside so there was no seating inside except for benches along the perimeter and when we arrived, they were all filled. We sat outside until the concert began at 10:30. Hal sang most all the familiar songs. I finally heard Continental Farewell which is pretty funny. For the encore, Hal invited members of the opening bands to come on stage with him but when nobody came up, Hal said for anyone to join him on stage. He encouraged people up front to come up and so a big group got on stage with him to sing Small Town Saturday Night. One couple was dancing and twirling at the back of the stage and the rest were around Hal and singing. It was a great ending to the concert.
Many thanks to Halfan Elsie who went to see Hal last Saturday at the Buisson Arts Center, and has written a review of the show for us. CLICK HERE to read it.Last weekend I went to the Norfolk Country Music Festival to see the Boomer McLennan Band, they were great as usual. They are from California and come all the way over to the UK each summer to perform at the Country Festivals. I managed to get a few photos, if anyone would like to see them, CLICK HERE. The web site for the Grand Ole Opry has had a bit of a facelift recently, and there is a page dedicated to Hal which features a lovely photo of Hal and Gina on their wedding day.
 I went to the Americana Festival in Newark, Notts on Sunday. The Bellamy Brothers were there and they sang most of their hits. They mentioned the Angels and Outlaws CD and said that many well known country artists had sung with them on it, they mentioned a few of them but forgot Hal. I kept shouting out 'Hal Ketchum' but they didn't hear me! If you would like to see the photos I took, check out my Webshots album.While searching the internet, I came across a telephone interview Hal did a few years ago on K95.5 Morning Circus Radio Show, CLICK HERE to listen to it. There is a short article on Hal's Irish Tour dates on the News Letter site, CLICK HERE to read it. (I think the Legendairs who are supporting Hal on tour are from Ireland). These new tour dates have just been posted on the Pollstar web site:
Hal performed at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 11th June, he sang Sure Love, Too Many Memories, Awaiting Redemption and The King of Love. 
Hal appeared on the QVC shopping channel on Wednesday 15th June to show his acoustic guitar pack for beginners. He played a couple of his songs, Awaiting Redemption and The Way She Loves Me, and he also chatted to a telephone caller, Larry from New Hampshire. The guitar pack which includes a 41" full-sized acoustic guitar, instructional video, guitar stand, guitar case, guitar strap, picks, capo, pitch pipe and replacement set of strings, is still for sale at an introductory price of $112.74, CLICK HERE for more details.
Hal will be appeared on the Montel Williams show on Wednesday 1st June. If you visit Montel's website, there are more details of their Jam Against MS (JAMS) tour this summer to raise money for research to cure multiple sclerosis. CLICK HERE to find it.The following UK tour dates have just been announced on Pollstar:
A couple of new tour dates have just been posted on Pollstar:
Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 21st May. He sang Five O'Clock World and Small Town Saturday Night on the first segment, and Past The Point of Rescue on the second. Hal mentioned that he is coming over to the UK soon to play 12 dates, I just hope that is true! You can listen to the archives of the show online on the WSM website.Two new tour dates have just been posted on the Pollstar website:
Hal is scheduled to perform at the Opry on Tuesday 17th May. He will be on between 7 - 7.30pm.A few new tour dates have been announced on Pollstar:
There is an interesting article on Hal on the Standard-Examiner website. You will need to register to read it, but it only takes a minute or so. If anyone has any problems let me know and I will email the article to you.I found a few more photos of Hal online taken at the Grand Ole Opry on 16th October 2004, one of them shows Hal with his new daughter Sophia and Ruby hugging his leg. CLICK HERE to see them. New tour date announced on Pollstar, Hal will be playing at The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA on Thursday 20th October 2005. Don't forget to listen out for Hal on the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 30th April. Found some pictures on the internet of Hal taken at Cripple Creek, Colorado, on 18th March 2005. CLICK HERE to see them. I have been informed that Hal is appearing with Joe Diffie and Bob DiPiero on Tuesday April 19th At Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tennessee. From what I have read online, it seems to be a concert benefiting Ravenwood High School Band, and XM Radio personality Shannon McCombs will be MC. Just read the following on the ABQjournal website: MAY 14, LEGACY ART ALBUQUERQUE: This live auction of Native American art has become one of the liveliest in town, mostly due to the star power generated by actors Lou Diamond Phillips and artist Amado Peña. Proceeds are split between the J.B. and Amado Peña Art Has Heart Foundation and St. Pius X High School. This year's event features dinner, live and silent auctions of more than 90 pieces of art and a performance by country crooner Hal Ketchum. It starts at 5:30 p.m. at the new Sandia Casino Golf Clubhouse. Tickets are $100. Call 831-8406, ext. 2. New tour date just announced on Pollstar, Hal will be appearing at the Rams Head Tavern, Annapolis, MD. on 21st October 2005. I just found an interview on the internet that Hal did on Rattlebag Radio in Ireland on 29th August 2002. I can't believe I never found that before! CLICK HERE to visit the Rattlebag site.
Hal will be celebrating his 52nd birthday on Saturday 9th April 2005. Happy Birthday Hal!There is an article about Hal appearing at 'The Mint' on the Idaho Mountain Express website. I was lucky enough to see Thom Bresh in concert on Wednesday night at the Boardwalk in Sheffield. He was fantastic! I took a few photos and have put them on my Webshots album if you would like to take a look.Many thanks to Hal Fan Anna for sending us the photos she took at Harrah's Casino on 11th March 2005. CLICK HERE to see them. I have just come across some photos on the WSOC website which were taken at Hal's concert at the Neighborhood Theatre, Charlotte, NC. on 6th March. CLICK HERE to see them. There are also a few pics of Hal on Fit 2 Be Tied's website which I think were taken at the Desert Sands Park, Palmdale, CA. in June 2004. The Bellamy Brothers have just released a CD called 'Angels and Outlaws' which features Hal and Lisa Brokop singing on the song called 'Let Your Love Flow'. You can hear a short clip of it here.
The following tour dates have just been posted on the Pollstar website:
There is an interesting article on the Belfast Telegraph website about Mick Hanly, who wrote 'Past The Point of Rescue'.Thanks to Hal fan Patty for the following information about Hal's upcoming show at the Oriental Theatre, Denver, CO. on 15th July 2005: Tickets will go on sale Saturday April 2, 2005 at 10 am. General Admission tickets will be available online at www.orientaltheatre.net or at all King Soopers for $45. VIP Ticket Packages will be available only at the venue for $100 which allows the holder into the venue before the General Admission ticket holders for seat selection as well as a meet/greet and autograph session with Hal Ketchum & Montel Williams. These VIP Ticket Packages are limited to 100 per show. There will be two shows. Doors for the first show will be at 5:30 and doors for the second show at 8:45. Many thanks to Hal fan Elsie who was lucky enough to see all four of Hal's shows at Harrah's in Arizona recently, and has kindly written a review for us. CLICK HERE to read it. New tour date just announced on Pollstar, Hal will be at The Mint, Hailey, ID. on Friday 15th April 2005. There is an interview with Hal on the Vail Trail web site. CLICK HERE to read it. There is also an article on Hal on the Vail Daily website. Several new tour dates have just been announced on the Pollstar web site:
New tour dates just announced on the Pollstar web site, on Monday 7th March 2005 Hal will be appearing at The Windjammer, Isle of Palms, SC. and on Friday 29th July 2005 he will be at the Big Valley Jamboree, Cambrose, AB. It also looks like Hal's concert at Greune Hall on 6th August is back on.Hal performed at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 19th February 2005. He sang 'Five O'Clock World' and 'Stay Forever', which he dedicated to his wife Gina because they recently celebrated their 7th wedding anniversary. Hal also performed at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 12th February 2005. He sang 'Song of Bernadette', 'Stay Forever', 'Five O'Clock World' and 'Past The Point of Rescue'. Many thanks to photographer and Hal fan Malcolm Brown who has been good enough to share the photos he took at the Alaska State Fair in September 2004. CLICK HERE to see them.
Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 29th January 2005. During the Warm Up Show Hal dropped in with Gina to chat to Keith Bilbrey. He announced that his new single which was written by Doug Johnson, will be called 'The Moment', and it will hopefully be released in the next few months. Hal seemed really happy with it, he described it as a really beautiful song, and said he had 'big goosebumps going'. On the Opry stage, Hal sang 'Five O'Clock World', 'Past the Point of Rescue' and 'Stay Forever'.
Here are six more tour dates from the Pollstar website:
Alter States are a UK Country Band based in Essex and have a residency at the Bassment Club in Wells Street, Chelmsford – currently only once a month EVERY 3rd Wednesday. They cover a full range of stuff, and from the Hal repertoire they do the following:-
That’s What I Get For Losing You, Tonight We Just Might, No Easy Road and Five O’Clock World. Check out their website for more info, photos and soundclips.
Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 8th January 2005. He sang the usual 'Five O'Clock World' and 'Stay Forever' (which he dedicated to his wife Gina who was in Philadelphia helping her mum). Hal will be at the Opry again on Saturday 29th January, Friday 18th February and Saturday 19th February. Thom Bresh, who toured with Hal in 2002, is appearing at the Boardwalk, Sheffield, England on Wednesday 30th March. I also have the latest UK tour dates for the Boomer McLennan Band. If you get chance to see them this summer, you won't be disappointed, they are brilliant entertainment. The dates are: July 23 - Wolverstock Festival July 24 -- Norwich Festival August 13 -- The Viking, Selsey August 14 -- Harlow Festival August 20 - Ashbourne Golf Show, Ashbourne -- (The location may change) August 26 -- Bridlington Festival August 27 - Strumpshaw Festival August 28 - Skipton Festival
I just received an interesting email from Hal fan Larry and his wife Mary. They are two of Hal’s biggest fans, and they decided that instead of waiting to see when Hal will be touring in their area, they would get in touch with local venues and ask them to book Hal. They found it surprisingly easy and have already got Hal booked in their local theatre, the
Claremont Opera House in New Hampshire. I get quite a few emails from fans wanting to know when Hal will be performing in their area, so maybe if those people got in touch with their local venues and asked them to book Hal too, they will hopefully have the same success. It also would help sell tickets if Hal got on the radio again. He has a song called Roll Back the Stone that may be his best yet. I haven’t heard it myself but everyone who has heard him sing it live has raved about it. If only that one could get released as a single! Maybe all his fans should write to Curb Records and ask for the release of one of Hal's songs instead of two songs from The Del McCoury Band (My Love Will Not Change & Travelin' Teardrop Blues). According to Larry, there has never been a Ketchum song sung with more conviction than "Roll Back the Stone." If you would like to help, Curb's address is 48 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203-4323. Their phone numbers are (615) 254-6248 or (615) 321-5080.
Just spotted some photos online of Hal taken at The Tap, College Station, Texas on 28th July. CLICK HERE to visit their website. Hal appeared on the Montel Williams show on Christmas Eve. He performed a holiday tune, so if anyone gets re-runs of the show on their TV station, look out for it! Thanks to Patty for letting us know that in the current issue of Country Weekly there is a picture of Hal and his family dressing up for Halloween. Check out the Edmonton Sun web site to read an interesting article about Hal. Just spotted a review of Hal's recent August concert at Gruene Hall on the Texas Music Movement web site, there are a couple of photos too. There are also some photos taken of Hal on stage on 6th November at the Greek Bros website, a brilliant review of Hal's show at the Ramshead Tavern on 1st October on the Hometown Annapolis website, and pics of Hal on the 'Once A Day' site.
Hal fan Elsie went to see three Hal concerts last week, and she has kindly written a review for us. CLICK HERE to read it. Thanks Elsie!Hal is appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday 3rd December 2004. He sang 'Five O'Clock World' and 'Stay Forever'. He told a joke about two snakes slithering down a path, one says to the other 'Are we poisonous?" The other one says "I don't think so". First one says 'That's good, cos I just bit my tongue!!" (Hal blamed the joke on Joe Diffie!) 
There is a lovely photo of Hal with his new baby Sophia on his official site, just click on the link to 'backstage'.Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday 30th November 2004. It sounded like he came on carrying his daughter Ruby. He sang 'Five O'Clock World' 'Past The Point of Rescue' and 'Stay Forever'. Dave Lemonds and Abe White (former drummer and
bass player for Hal) have been playing with EMI writer Keith Anderson since they left Hal. Keith recently got signed to Arista Records last month. Keith's first single "Pickin' Wildflowers" will be out on 6th December
2004. They start shooting their first video in a couple of weeks. It is a great band. Keith is a cross between Keith Urban and Big 'N'Rich. Keith got his notoriety around Nashville a few years ago when he wrote the song "Beer Run" that Garth Brooks and George Jones did a duet on. They also won the Jim Beam contest in 2002 (same one Montgomery Gentry and Trick Pony won) and they are expecting to do 220 dates next year. The single is currently being played on 3cdigital.com, or you can listen to it on the Netscape Music Page.
Hal appeared at the Opry on Saturday 16th October 2004. He opened with One More Greyhound and later sang Five O'Clock World and Past The Point Of Rescue. Hal was holding Sophia and Ruby was hugging his leg as he introduced the Whites.For those who can get the archives of WSM shows, Hal was on the Opry Warm Up Show that precedes the Opry. Ruby was with him. Keith asked Ruby how old she was and she said three. Hal said that One More Greyhound was written with Craig Wiseman. For the second show Hal opened with One More Greyhound and closed with Stay Forever. He also told the talking dog joke. Many thanks to Mary V for this info, unfortunately the archives of the Opry are no longer free on the WSM site so for the time being I am not able to hear them.
Hal appeared at the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa on Thursday 14th October
2004 to support John Kerry (and Edwards). You can read more about it on the website of the Iowa State Daily. Hal sang Past The Point Of Rescue, Awaiting Redemption and Wings Of A Dove. He also told the talking dog joke to which he added another occupation for the dog as a pilot for the National Guard.
Hal told the crowd that he was there in support of Kerry-Edwards and that he thought that after what has occurred in the past four years he thought it was time for a change.
Lucky Hal fan Elsie went to see Hal at the Ramshead Tavern on Friday 1st October 2004, and has kindly written a review of the show for us. CLICK HERE to read it. Thanks Elsie! Thanks to Mary V for sending me this article from the September 27th 2004 issue of Country Weekly: Dressin’ Up The other morning at Hal Ketchum’s house, Hal was getting daughters Fani,7, and Ruby,3, ready, while his wife, Gina, took care of 3-month-old Sophia Grace. “I was getting Fani and Ruby breakfast before school, packing Fani’s lunch and trying to get them in some sort of matching clothes, which can be pretty hilarious,” notes Hal. “Fani did a real good job of dressing herself, and she had her book bag and her lunch, and her art supplies. Ruby had on a Snow White costume---and no shoes. It gives me a deep appreciation for what Gina does when I’m out on the road.” Is there an “amen!” I hear from every woman reading this?
Many thanks to Mary and Larry for sending me LOADS of photos of Hal, you can see them all on my Webshots site. Also thanks to Deanie for her photos of Hal at the Opry, you can see them on Webshots too.A few new tour dates have been posted on the Pollstar website, and it looks like a couple have been cancelled, see my tour dates page for a full list.
Hal performed at the Opry on Saturday 18th September 2004, he sang 'Past The Point of Rescue', 'Stay Forever', 'Small Town Saturday Night' and 'Five O'Clock World'. You can listen to the archives of the show on the WSM website. Paul Brandt was on too, he sang 'I Do' and his new song 'Convoy' .
Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday 14th September 2004. He sang 'Past The Point of Rescue', 'Five O'Clock World' and 'Stay Forever'. It sounded like he had all his girls with him again. Jimmy Wayne was on too, he sang 'I Love You This Much', 'You Are' and 'Paper Angels'. Many thanks to Brad Groghan who has written an excellent review of Hal's show at Marlintini's Lounge, Juneau, AK. CLICK HERE to read it. Hal fan Pamela went to see Hal at Hondo's in Fredericksburg, TX, CLICK HERE to see her report. Thanks Pamela! I went to the Yorkshire Dales Country Music Festival last weekend and had a great time, Boomer McLennan and his band were there again, they were brilliant, and I also saw a great band called Honest Truth who come from the UK. The guitar player in the band is absolutely fantastic, and when they finished their set with 'Past The Point of Rescue', well, it was just wonderful!! I took a few photos, so if anyone would like to see them, they are on my Webshots album.
If anyone is lucky enough to be able to listen to XM Radio, the following show is advertised on their site for tonight (1st September
2004):New Music Roundup: Hal Ketchum and Family America - XM 10 7PM ET Hal performs songs that will be on his next CD along with a few songs that he just finished in the studio that won't be on the new album. Don't miss this hour-long peek into Hal Ketchum and Family. Thanks to Mary for letting us know about that.
The Country Weekly Magazine featuring an article on Hal, his new record and exclusive pictures of him with his new daughter Sophie is now on sale, apparently it's the one dated 31st August
2004 and not 17th as stated on Hal's web site. In the magazine, Hal mentions that he is putting a show together with Leon Russell called 'The Caravan of Dreams'. It looks like the dates for that show so far are Colusa Casino on 10th December and The Vault on 11th December. (Thanks Pamela for sending me the article.) There is a great article on the Juneau Empire website about Hal, CLICK HERE to read it. Hal is appearing at Marlintini's Lounge on 2nd September and at the Alaska State Fair on 4th September.
Kenny Grimes has been playing guitar with Hal on his latest tour dates, CLICK HERE to see his web site.
Hal was scheduled to appear on the CRL show on the GAC Channel on 27th August
2004, and also on the GAC Classic Show on 8th September, but I just checked on the GAC website, and it looks like that's not happening now unfortunately.Thanks to Pamela for pointing out that Hal's concert on Friday 27th August at Hondo's is actually in Fredericksburg, TX. and not Kerrville. The tickets cost $30 each and you can get more information from Hondo's website.
It looks like Hal's concert on Friday 8th October 2004 at Hanover's Draught House, Pflugerville, TX. has been cancelled, thanks to Harold for that information.The two dates that were on the Pollstar site for 7th and 8th September at the Jazzbones nightclub in Tacoma, WA. have been removed from the list, and there is no mention of Hal on the Jazzbones web site, so it looks like they have been cancelled too. I have just found out that the tour dates for Ireland have also now unfortunately been cancelled. I don't know what has happened behind the scenes, but the whole 'UK tour' seems to have been a complete waste of time for all concerned. I don't suppose it was Hal's fault, I am sure there must be a valid reason for it, but I just hope that if Hal ever does plan to tour over here in the UK in the future, he makes sure that the tour dates are confirmed before the details are released to Pollstar, and before the concerts are advertised at the venues. (Can you tell I am slightly annoyed?!!). Many thanks to Hal fans Mary, Larry, Elsie and Harold who all went to see Hal at Gruene Hall and The Pier, and have kindly written concert reports for us. CLICK HERE to read them.
There is an interesting article on the Nashville City Paper website about the TV documentary called 'The Ryman: Mother Church of Country Music' which was shown on NPT on 5th August
2004, and was narrated by Hal. If you are able to get NPT on your television, the programme will be repeated on Sunday 8th August at 10.30am. NPT are releasing a video or DVD of the documentary, but the only way to obtain it as far as I can see is to pledge your support to Nashville Public Television and that could cost $60 - $90.
Hal hosted the televised segment of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 24th July
2004. He sang 'Five O'Clock World', 'Past The Point of Rescue', 'My Love Will Not Change' and 'Travellin' Teardrop Blues'. Hal's new single "My Love Will Not Change" has entered the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart at Number 60. Just read the following on the Gruene Hall newsletter: Hal Ketchum fans from all over the US will descend on Gruene Hall on Aug. 7th for Hal Ketchum's 2nd Annual Gruene Reunion. But among those fans will be a large group of friends and supporters who knew Hal "when" ....when he was swinging a hammer around town trying to make a living..... when he shyly would get up on the small stage to play harmonica with John Vandiver long before anyone knew he could sing and write his own songs...... when he was pitching horseshoes down the road at Bushwackers' with the locals...... and when he finally came out of his shell and we knew right away that we had the best kept secret in Texas. The secret lasted almost 10 years, as Hal struggled to find his way into the hearts of mainstream country music listeners. Nashville finally opened it's ears in 1991 when he landed a publishing deal with Curb Records, and the rest is history. On a more recent front, Hal and his wife Gina welcomed their third daughter into the world on Thursday, June 17th, named Sophia Grace. Hal's son Graham, and daughter Sarah, from his first marriage, now have 3 little sisters including Fana Rose, adopted from an orphanage in Bulgaria, and Ruby Joy, born in 2001. Hal's special guests for this show include the always fun, Two Tons of Steel, and famed singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Stephen Bruton w/ the Resentments. XM Satellite Radio will be on hand to broadcast the show live on satellite radio.
New tour dates have just been announced. CLICK HERE for a full list.On the subject of tour dates, I just want to apologise to anyone who travelled to see Hal at the Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. Hal obviously changed his plans and decided to perform at the Opry instead, but the Curb website was still showing that he was appearing with Toby Keith in Foxboro. The Pollstar website did alter their listing for that day to the Grand Ole Opry, and I should have mentioned it in my previous post, but I was so excited about hearing that Hal was coming to the UK and trying to get hold of tickets (which I have had no luck with so far) that it completely slipped my mind. I would always urge people to check with the venue before setting off to a concert just in case, because most of the info that we fans get is from the internet, and it's not always reliable, as we have unfortunately found out this weekend. Hal appeared at the Opry on Tuesday 20th July 2004, he sang 'Five O'Clock World', 'Past The Point of Rescue' and 'Stay Forever'. His daughters came onstage during the show, and also Gina with the new baby.
Lucky Hal fan Deb went to see Hal at The Ark, Ann Arbor, MI. on Friday 16th July
2004, CLICK HERE to read her concert report and check out her photos. Thanks Deb.I have been so envious reading all the concert reports lately, that I have written this short poem to Hal....! How many years I just cannot say Since last we saw Hal here in the UK He's promised us once He's promised us twice Hal, breaking your promise is not very nice! Wishing and hoping is all we can do We are longing to hear him sing something new So we send Hal this message with the best of intentions We hope you'll be here 'fore you're drawing your pension!
Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 10th July 2004, on his first segment he sang Past The Point of Rescue and Stay Forever, and on his second segment he sang Five O'Clock World and Stay Forever.I went to the Americana Festival in Newark, Nottinghamshire, in the UK yesterday, we had a great time, I took loads of photos (mostly of American cars for my son!) and I have put them on our webshots album if anyone would like to see them.
Congratulations to Hal and Gina on the arrival of their new baby daughter! Sophia Grace Ketchum was born on 17th June
2004 and weighed 8lbs 6oz.Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 19th June. He sang the same two songs on both segments, 'Five O'Clock World' and 'Stay Forever' (which he dedicated to his new baby daughter). You can hear Hal's new song which is called 'My Love Will Not Change' on the AllAccess website if you have real player installed on your pc.
Hal appeared at the Bull Run Restaurant, MA. on 20th April 2004, and Lisa Rockland was there, in her own words she had 'the best seat in the house'! CLICK HERE to see her photos. Thanks Lisa!I would just like to say thank you again to everyone who has shared their concert photos with us recently, it is very much appreciated.
Hal fan KC went to see Hal at the Crystal Palace, Bakersfield, CA on 3rd June
2004, and she met him after the show too. CLICK HERE to see the photos she took, they are great! Thanks KC.
Also, Hal fan Pamela was lucky enough to see Hal in Helotes, Texas, and has kindly sent a couple of photos for us, CLICK HERE to see them. Thanks Pamela. To see a full list of Hal's upcoming appearances, check out the tour dates page.
 I read the following on the Holly Dunn website lately:Holly will be relocating to her home state of Texas where she has plans to open an art gallery featuring notable artists with Texas ties, including Amado Pena and fellow singer Hal Ketchum as well as her own artwork. Amado Pena was scheduled to open Holly Dunn's Art Song Gallery, which is in Salado, Texas, on 30th April, but I don't know if Hal has any of his paintings on display there yet.
Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday 25th May 2004. He sang Past the Point of Rescue, Five O'Clock World and Stay Forever. He was joined on stage by his daughter Ruby. The following tour dates have just been announced on the Pollstar web site: Thursday 3rd June - Crystal Palace, Bakersfield, CA Friday 6th August - Sweet Pea Festival, Bozeman, MT Friday 20th August - Grizzly Rose, Denver, CO Thursday 3rd March 2005 - College of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City, NC Friday 4th March 2005 - The ArtsCenter, Carrboro, NC Saturday 5th March 2005 - N.C. Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, NC Saturday 16th April 2005 - Peery's Egyptian Theater, Ogden, UT
Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 8th May 2004. He sang Travellin' Teardrop Blues (1hr 3mins), Stay Forever (1hr 26mins), Five O'Clock World (3hrs 58mins) and Past The Point of Rescue (4hrs 26mins).
Lucky Hal fan Elsie went to the concert at Harmony Hall, MD. on 17th April 2004, CLICK HERE to read her report. There is a three page article on Hal, written by Lacey Roop, in the April
2004 issue of 'Up Country' magazine. If you live in the UK, you can purchase a copy by sending a cheque for £3 (made payable to Puddle Duck Publishing) and a letter specifying the month of the magazine (APRIL 2004) to Up Country Magazine, 132, Handsworth Road, Sheffield, S9 4AE. There is an email address on their website if anyone from the US would like to purchase a copy.Anna Marie, who has opened for Hal on a couple of occasions, is singing backup vocals on a new CD by The Ricky Lewis Band, called Songs For The New Depression.
Thanks to the person who let me know that there is an interesting article on the My San Antonio web page. CLICK HERE to read it. Apparently Hal's new single which is going to be called 'My Love Will Not Change', and will be released in April, was written by Shawn Camp and Billy Burnett and has previously been recorded by the Del McCoury Band on their album 'It's Just The Night'. You can hear a clip of their song on the Bluegrass Works website.
On the most recent 3c digital news letter, the following appears:NASHVILLE NEWS NUGGETS Perennial 3C favourite Hal Ketchum says he's going to take another stab at a mainstream country hit. Hal, who has pretty much stuck to his personal musical vision over his last few albums, has enlisted producer Allen Reynolds to help him deliver a hit. Allen produced Hal's albums "Past the Point of Rescue" and "Sure Love", which both yielded big hits in the US country singles chart. There's no title yet for the new project, although it's rumoured the first single will bear the title, "My Love Will Not Change".  Living in the UK, I haven't been lucky enough to see Hal in concert recently, but I did get the chance to see Merrill Osmond and his band on Wednesday. I have posted the photos on my Webshots site if anyone would like to see them.
Hal appeared at the Opry this weekend. On Friday 20th February 2004 he sang a song called ‘Travelin' Teardrop Blues’, which has previously been recorded by Del McCoury, and ‘Stay Forever’. On Saturday 21st February he sang ‘Past The Point of Rescue’, ‘Stay Forever’, ‘Travelling Teardrop Blues’ and ‘Sure Love’.When Hal appeared at the Opry on Saturday 24 January he sang 'Awaiting Redemption', 'Stay Forever' and 'Five O'Clock World'. Hal was celebrating his 10th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He mentioned that his new single called 'My Love is Forever' is due out in April, and that his new baby which is due in June is going to be a little girl and they have decided on the name Sophia Grace Ketchum. Hal and Gina celebrated their 6th Wedding Anniversary on 14th February.
Just noticed the following for sale on the Peña Gallery Web Site:
 For more than 30 years, Amado M. Peña, Jr. has enchanted art lovers and given his time and energy to children, education and the arts. In tribute to his remarkable career, his friends from the arts, the media and public life contribute their own special version of his creative vision. Proceeds from the sale of this book, which is called "Amado and Friends" (A Tribute to the Art of Amado M. Peña, Jr) will benefit the programs of the Amado and J. B. Peña Art Has Heart Foundation. Written and compiled by Mike DeVault. Contributors include: Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, J. D. Challenger, Holly Dunn, Michael Horse, HAL KETCHUM, Lou Diamond Phillips, Righteous Brothers, Wes Studi, Jennifer Tilly and Archbishop Michael Sheehan.
Lucky Hal Fan Elsie went to the show at the Ramshead Tavern in Annapolis, MD. on Monday 8th December
2003, and has kindly written a concert report for us, CLICK HERE to read it. Thanks Elsie, sounds like you had a wonderful time!
One of our very dear fellow Hal Fans has recently completed an autobiography on surviving child abuse and it's emotional impact as an adult. This issue is one that needs to be dealt with world wild. This abuse has to stop!! That is Rhonnie’s goal in life. To unite as many people as she can and fight this unspeakable torture which so many children have to subsist with.
Please take a few moments to visit her site at www.livingafterabuse.com and send her off a little note of support and possibly purchase her book.
Thanks everyone.
Hal is featured in a new album called S.H.A.R.E.-Songs of Hope, Awareness, and Recovery for Everybody, which includes performances by artists such as Travis Tritt, George Jones, Martina McBride, John Prine, Hal Ketchum, Chely Wright and T. Graham Brown. S.H.A.R.E. is a meticulous collection of songs that bring attention to the pervasive problem of alcohol and drug abuse. With this cause as motivation, a wide breadth of the Nashville community gathered together and collected some of the most inspirational songs about recovery from alcohol and drug abuse ever recorded. In addition, a brand new song was written entitled ‘When Love Rules The World,’ that features an all-star collaborative cast including Martina McBride, Hal Ketchum, T. Graham Brown, Rhett Akins, Sherrie Austin, Kathy Mattea, Collin Raye and many more.This album is about change. Everything that is part of this project; music, production, marketing, brainstorming, artwork, PR, has been donated so that all profits can be earmarked for alcohol and drug prevention programs. To learn more about S.H.A.R.E., and listen to an MP3 of the song 'When Love Rules the World', visit their site at www.sharesongs.org.
Congratulations to Hal and his wife, Gina, who are expecting their third child together early next summer. Hal found out while taping the Irish TV series 'Country Cool', where he acted as a master voice
coach for those competing to be country stars, in a show similar to US series,
Nashville Star. The winners of the show were a trio called 'The Original Brothers'.
Hal appeared on the show "Celebrity Kitchen" on GAC on 15th October
2003. There is a lovely photo of Hal with his daughter Ruby on the Crook and Chase web site.
Hal and Gina also took part in the 'Country Cool' talent competition which was shown on BBC Northern Ireland, there is a mention of them both on the Country Cool website.
Going off the topic of Hal for a while, has anyone heard of the Boomer McLennan Band? I was lucky enough to see them last weekend, and they were excellent, if they are playing in your area, don't miss them! Click here to see my photos of the band.
I just read the following bad news on the CMT web site:Opry Ends CMT Affiliation The Grand Ole Opry's weekly telecast on CMT is coming to an end, after Opry owner Gaylord Entertainment did not renew its agreement with CMT. CMT has presented the one-hour Grand Ole Opry Live each Saturday night since 2001. Prior to that, the program aired on TNN: The Nashville Network. In a statement released Wednesday (Sept. 3), CMT officials said, "The contract between CMT and Gaylord Entertainment for the Opry telecast has reached the end of its term. CMT and Gaylord Entertainment negotiated for a new term, but an agreement was not reached. … CMT wishes only the best for the Opry." CMT's final presentation of Grand Ole Opry Live will air Sept. 27. CMT is currently seen in 70.4 million U.S. homes. The good news is that the Great American Country channel will begin showing Opry Live on 4th October. This is what they say on their web site: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 4, 2003) - The Grand Ole Opry announced today that "Grand Ole Opry Live," cable television's top-rated weekly music series, will be available each week of the year on the Great American Country (GAC) network. Beginning Saturday, Oct. 4, the popular show moves to GAC from Country Music Television (CMT). The television broadcast schedule includes 52 weekly telecasts airing on Saturday nights at 8 p.m. EST and repeating three times on weekends and twice on Tuesday evenings - allowing fans six opportunities a week to see "Grand Ole Opry Live."
You can listen to an MP3 of Hal singing some of the songs from his new CD 'The King of Love' on the web site of Billy Block's Western Beat Roots Revival Show (taped live at the legendary Exit/In in Nashville every Tuesday night). I'm not sure how much longer it will be on there, so get over there quick!It appears that Hal now has a new booking agency, called ASHLEY TALENT INTERNATIONAL, their phone number is (734)-477-6677.
Lucky Hal fan Elsie (along with her friend Mary) went to see Hal last week at the Barnstable County Fair and the Indian Ranch, MA. Click here to read Elsie's great concert reports.
Hal fan Deb just got back from seeing Hal in Michigan, and this is what she had to say about her experience:"I was lucky enough to see Hal on Friday night in Ann Arbor Michigan. Hal was incredible!! I have to say it was one of the best shows of his I have ever been to. It was just him and one guitar player. He sang quite a mixture. Some of his early songs as well as a couple from King of Love. I kind of lost track of time, but I would say he was on stage at least one and a half hours. He looks healthy, had his great sense of humour as always and his voice only gets better. He was wearing jeans and jean shirt and barefootin'!! He didn't have a meet and greet afterwards. I was a bit disappointed in that, but totally understand. To put the icing on the cake I got to meet and spend time with my "long time email Hal-Fan friend" Rhonnie, (she is a Sweetie) her hubby and her friend. We were lucky enough to get front row seats (side stage) and were able to sit back with our feet up on the stage, relax and enjoy the view. Needless to say A Good Time was Had by All" CLICK HERE to see Deb's photos. Thanks Deb!
Lucky Hal fan KC went to see Hal at the Buck Owens Crystal Palace, Bakersfield, CA, last week, and has kindly shared her photos with us. CLICK HERE to see them. Thanks KC!There is a review of Hal's new CD 'The King of Love' on the Tennessean web site this week. It gets 3 stars, for some reason the reviewer doesn't seem to like the first song on the album - 'Everytime I Look in Your Eyes'. The Tennessean also have a short article on Hal. He was asked to name his top 5 'deserted island discs', and his answers were:
Anna Marie & the Band opened for Hal at the Crazy Horse on 17 June 2003, and Anna has posted some photos from the night on her web site if anyone would like to take a look.Here is a review of the show by Bob Leggett from Live Magazine: The future face of country and one of its elder statesmen combined to show a packed house that country music is alive and well at the Crazy Horse. The show opened with Anna Marie, an up and coming 22-year old phenom who has been playing guitar since she was a small child under the tutelage of Rich Gordon, Eddie Montana and Mark Wood, and with the songwriting chops to match. Anna Marie could very well have won the recent Nashville Star competition but for some serious weather conditions, but that’s another story. Anna Marie kicked off the party with the rocking song “Million Reasons to Lie,” written by her sister and band member Tina Michelle. She continued her set with “Pickin’ Up the Pieces,” also written by Tina, before playing what I consider a sure radio hit, “Little Things,” which Anna Marie wrote. Showing that she can sing them slow just as well as fast, she gave us “Take the Clock Off the Wall,” a true “tears in your beer” country tune, which she co-wrote with Tina. Next was “Starting Over,” co-written with Kim Payne, followed by what could be another radio hit, a song written by Steven McClintock and Victoria Shaw (“Let’s Talk About Me”). Anna Marie continued her set with “Better Half,” another song co-written with her sister, and concluded with “Not Alone,” a touching gospel song that could also easily receive serious radio airplay on the local Christian station. Anna Marie showed us that she definitely BELONGS on the stage, and the wizardry of her band, especially her fiddle player Michael Kelly, and the amazing harmonies of Tina Michelle combine to produce a sound that belongs in Nashville. The band shows such chemistry on stage that they are a sheer joy to behold. Anna Marie is a talent not to be missed. Watch for her playing at a venue near you soon. As far as the headliner - Hal Ketchum. What can you say about his performance except, WOW! When a performer starts off his set with one of his biggest hits (“Past the Point of Rescue”), tells jokes, and sings like Hal does, you know that he came to play. Hal even pulled out the harmonica on “Evangeline,” and performed an awesome cover of “Five O’Clock World.” This was an amazing evening. I can hardly wait for the next one!
Many thanks to Chuck Clark for sending me the link to his yahoo photos. There are some great ones of Hal on stage at the Riverfront during Fan Fair, and some taken at the Great American Country breakfast. Look out for the Jimmy Wayne pics too! CLICK HERE to see them. You can also order prints of the photos if you live in the US.
On Thursday June 5, Hal appeared on stage at the Ryman Auditorium for a special presentation for Fan Fair by WSM, it was broadcast live by webcast online and on the radio. Hal sang Past The Point of Rescue and Small Town Saturday Night, and they also played his new single 'The King of Love'. He talked to Keith Bilbrey about meeting Gina at the Ryman, about his children, and a bit about chocolate too! If you missed it, I have an MP3 of the interview on my pc if anyone would like me to e-mail it to them, let me know. Be warned though, it is a large file (5.7mb).I just acquired a copy of 'Country America' magazine dated April 1994, which included an article about Hal. I have scanned the pages onto my Bravenet photo album if anyone wants to read them. Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry again on Saturday 24th May 2003. He hosted the 7 - 8pm hour, which was televised on CMT, and during the show he sang 'Past The Point of Rescue', 'Five O'Clock World', 'The Angel Song' and 'The King of Love'. Also appearing on Hal's segment were Clint Black and Travis Tritt. Hal was on again later in the show when he sang 'Five O'Clock World'. Hal was on again at the Opry on Tuesday 27th May, when he sang 'Dreams of Martina', 'Five O'Clock World' and 'Stay Forever'. Unfortunately the WSM website doesn't seem to have archives for the Tuesday night Opry.
Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry again this weekend. On Friday 9th May 2003 he sang 'Past The Point of Rescue' and 'The King of Love', and on Saturday 10th May he sang the same two songs on both appearances.
I just acquired a copy of 'Country Fever' magazine dated July 1993, which included an article about Hal. I have scanned the pages onto my Bravenet photo album if anyone wants to read them. 
Hal recently had some of his paintings shown at the Pena Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. There are a couple of photos of Hal with Amado Peña on the Gallery's web site, and also pictures of three of Hal's paintings.
According to his official web site, Hal will be appearing at the Gruene Hall on 2nd August
2003 for his 1st Annual Gruene Hall Reunion. You can listen to the show live on XM Radio (if any of you knows how to get it!).Hal will also be the 'in studio guest' on 'This Week In Americana'. I have been trying to find someone that airs this programme, so far I have just found the KHYI radio station in Texas, which broadcasts the show on Saturday evenings between 7 - 9pm (their time). I think you can listen online on their web site. This week I finally found a copy of a CD called Kelly's Heroes, which features a duet with Hal and Sandy Kelly, called 'When The Leaves Turn To Brown'. It was released in 1993 by K-Tel if anyone is interested. The CD also features Sandy singing with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell and more.
Hal's New CD 'The King of Love' was released in the US on Tuesday 25th March
2003. There have already been a couple of good reviews, one by Billboard magazine, and the other by United Press International.
Hal fan Deb got a request played on the Nick Barraclough BBC Radio 2 country show tonight, he played 'Sure Love' for her. If anyone else would like to e-mail Nick for a request, his e-mail address is nick.barraclough@bbc.co.uk
Hal fan Elsie has written a lovely poem to celebrate Hal's 50th birthday. CLICK HERE to read it.
Hal's biography page on the Curb website has just been updated to include details of the new CD 'The King of Love', which is due to be released in the US on 25th March
2003. (Thanks to Mary V for letting us know about that).
Hal fan Lisa took some great photos of the concerts she attended recently, CLICK HERE to see them. Thanks Lisa, they are wonderful!
Lucky Hal fan Lisa Rockland went to three of Hal's recent concerts and has written a wonderful report of her trip, CLICK HERE to read it.
There is a great review of Hal's concert at the Swyer Theatre in Albany, New York, on the Times Union Web site. CLICK HERE to read it.
Hal fan Jana has written a wonderful review of Hal's concert at the Ramshead Tavern, Annapolis, Maryland on 9th February 2003. CLICK HERE to read it, or go to my concert reports page.If anyone else would like to write a report of a Hal concert they have attended for this site, please e-mail me, I would love to hear from you!
On the Tennessean web site there is a review of Hal's performance with the Nashville Ballet at the Tennessee Performing Arts Centre."Artistic director Paul Vasterling's Awaiting Redemption opened the show. The eight segments of this dance were enhanced by Hal Ketchum's vocals and Steve Sheehan on the guitar. The modern movement, laced with classical overtones, beautifully and accurately reflected the lyrics of the songs. Each section of the dance represented a life passage. Christine Rennie and Jon Upleger's dance to She Is charmed the audience as young lovers. Eddie Mikrut commanded the stage in Five O' Clock World with multiple turns, lithe lunges, high leaps and easy falls. Also of note was his pas de deux with Jennifer McNamara with its airy quality and subtle sensuality. That dance appropriately segued into Lonely Old Me, skillfully danced by Eric Harris."
Hal fans Megan and Ymelda have written brilliant reports of Hal's concert at Gruene Hall, Texas on 1st February 2003. CLICK HERE to read them, or go to my concert reports page.
Just spotted this bit of news on the BBC Radio 2 website: The search is on to find an act with the potential to be the next Shania Twain, Garth Brooks or Dixie Chicks, with the opportunity to perform on a major new television series on BBC One Northern Ireland later this year. A panel of judges from the music industry will oversee the auditions, eventually picking out a final seven hopefuls who will receive extensive training in all aspects of the music business. They will also take part in master classes with Hal Ketchum. The winning act will secure a record deal and be flown to Nashville to record a single and album to be released in time for this Christmas. If anyone in the UK wants to find out more about this, check out the 'Country Cool' web site.
Hal appeared with his new band The Gypsy Playboys at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday 17th January
2003 and Saturday 18th January. He seems in good health and was back playing the guitar again. On Friday night, Hal sang 'Awaiting Redemption' and 'Stay Forever'. Sounds like they have had a bit of snow in Nashville this weekend! On Saturday night, Hal sang 'Awaiting Redemption' and 'Stay Forever' on his first appearance, and later came back on and sang 'Awaiting Redemption' again. On 22 January it will be 9 years since Hal was inducted as the 71st member of the Grand Ole Opry. Quick joke from Hal on Saturday night - Question: What did the snail say as he rode on the turtle's back? Answer: Wheeeee! My sides are still aching after hearing that one Hal!
The latest issue of Country Weekly magazine has a feature on Hal.
CLICK HERE to read it.The sad news is that Hal has recently discovered he has Multiple Sclerosis. Hal was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis four years ago, but if it’s recurring, the diagnosis becomes MS. Hal says “I have my off days when I’m a little slow, my speech gets impaired if I get real tired and my vision is horrendous”. He has to give himself 3 injections a week, and he is also trying some Eastern herbal remedies that he says “taste like furniture polish!” Although Hal can’t play the guitar anymore, he finds that performing is still the best medicine. “I’m always charged up by the show. I’ve not had a down concert. The shows really elevate. It’s a period of time where the last thing on my mind is me”.
On the 3cdigital Year End Countdown, Hal's single 'Every Time I Look In Your Eyes' came in at number four. The top four were:
The latest news on Hal's official site is that Hal has been asked back again this year to perform with the Nashville Ballet Company. The artistic director, Paul Vasterling, has choreographed the ballet 'Awaiting Redemption' to Hal's music. Hal will sing with the dance company on 7th and 8th February at the Tennessee Performing Arts Centre in Nashville.Hal had a very successful gallery opening with his original paintings at the Pena Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico in December. The show will stay up through January, although his work is selling quickly.
There is a good review of Hal's concert at the Eccles Center on 30 November 2002 on the Park Record web site. Hal was playing with his new band 'The Gypsy Playboys', and sang some of the songs from his new album, such as 'The King of Love' and 'Every Time I Look in Your Eyes' as well as some of his old favourites like 'Hang In There Superman' and 'Dear Anna Lee'. The reviewer also mentioned a song called 'Darlin' Be Home Soon.', which I haven't heard of before.
The UK magazine 'Country Music Round-Up' had a small article on Hal in their December
2002 issue. Hal talked about his duet with Dolly, his new album, and he says that for Christmas, he would probably be staying at home - "We bought a wonderful house in Nashville a couple of years ago. My wife has a pretty large family. Typically we have been bringing everybody to our house. Stay close to home this year....close to the heart!".There is also a short mention of Hal's new CD in the magazine. It says the album "offers so much country light and shade. Like the beautiful heart ballad with dance capability, 'Every Time I Look In Your Eyes', the gorgeous 'As Long As You Love Me', (with Jonelle Mosser), 'The Ruby and the Rose', which is simply whistling to a drum beat, and the gentle 'Angel Song'. A superb album in every respect. An album of the month'." In the January issue of CMRU, Hal's CD is also included in the 'New Year Record Review' - the reviewer says "This time round there is an introduction of a few new influences. The change is certainly not total. 'God Makes Stars' I found a delight, and 'Prisoner of Love' is reminiscent to his earlier recordings, and 'The Angel Song' is gentle and special. The more one plays it, the more it 'grows on one'".
On Christmas Day, the online country radio station 3C Digital had an All-Star Country Christmas with twenty of today's top country stars hosting their own special shows. During the hour that Hal that the host, he said that his favourite location away from home at Christmas is Santa Fe, New Mexico, because it's full of golden light and magic in the winter, there's snow on the ground, but it's still a desert and it's a beautiful place to be. He said he will be there after Christmas (most likely for the showing of his paintings at the Pena Gallery). Hal played his favourite Christmas song 'The Little Drummer Boy', cos it was his mamma's favourite, and he said he enjoys spending Christmas at home, cos he travels so much, and that there is nothing like the two weeks of joyful anticipation particularly having small children at home. He remembered a childhood Christmas when his father was trying to convince them for one more year that St Nick was coming. Hal also said that for Christmas he just wants a Mini Cooper, British Racing Green with white stripes. Wonder if Santa brought him one?!
Hal was interviewed by Pat Geary on the online Radio Station 3C Digital on Friday 20th December 2002. It was very interesting, Hal talked about the inspiration behind some of the songs on his new CD, his son Graham who wrote the lyrics to one of the songs, Shi-Anne and Joshua Ragsdale, and his great new band 'The Gypsy Playboys'. The band consists of Rick Benick and Rocco Marshall on guitar, Abe White on bass guitar and Dave Lemonds on drums.
At the end of the interview, Pat asked Hal if there was any chance of him touring the UK in the near future, to which Hal replied "I’m coming over in the Spring, you know, hell or high water, we’re coming over, we’ll be there". As Pat said, we will hold you to that Hal! If anyone missed it, the transcript of the chat will probably be available to read on the 3cdigital web site in the near future, but if you can't wait, CLICK HERE. It's not easy to transcribe exactly what was said, but I have done my best!
It sounds like a great time was had by all at Hal's concert at the Coach House in California at the weekend, made all the more special by Hal doing a 'meet and greet' after the show. Hal fans Jodi and Sue have both written great reports of the show on Jodi's web site, and Sue has posted her photos too.The December 2002 issue of the UK 'Country Music People' magazine has a review of Hal's new CD. Unfortunately it was only awarded 2 and a half stars out of 5. The reviewer says "The real problem with this album is not the material, it's the feel that Hal, producing himself for the first time, has given it. He presents himself with an unchallenging softness that seems to welcome the mantle of the housewives' choice." However, the reviewer does say that the track 'Prisoner of Love' is proof that Hal can still turn a neat phrase, 'Evangeline' is enjoyable for it's darkness, while the 'Angel Song' is an appealingly direct word of advice directed at his adult son, so it's not all bad!
There is a review of Hal's new CD on the BBC Radio 2 Country website. There is also a one page article on Hal entitled 'Good King Hal' in the November/December issue of HMV choice, a magazine distributed free in HMV stores in the UK. They say "Hal is a true renaissance man. With his aesthetic talents, could he really be the King of Love?". The article describes him as painter, poet, actor, author and singer - with a rather disarming smile! Their 'standout' tracks on the album are 'Run Loretta Run', 'The King of Love', 'The Carpenter's Way' 'The Skies Over Dublin' and 'The Angel Song'. 
The December 2002 issue of Maverick Magazine has a feature on Hal and there is a review of Hal's new CD in it. This is what the reviewer had to say:Hal has moved on since the dark days of Awaiting Redemption and has crafted this musically sharp, romantic collection. 'The King of Love' sums it up perfectly, and he maintains the romanticism in songs like 'As Long As You Love Me'. The lyric expresses a sweet sentiment, but some lines are a little too cliched. Much better is 'God Makes Stars', though it's tough doing happy without doing sappy. Taking My time' is a funky little tune co-written with Tim O'Brien and the almost autobiographical 'Carpenter's Way' features Guy Clark on vocal. 'The Skies Over Dublin' blends Celtic roots and country demonstrating that Hal is an inventive producer who should have helmed his own recordings a long time ago. The CD was rated 4 stars out of 5. The 3 page article on Hal is mainly about how he suffered and recovered from ATM, his previous albums, the Hal Yes/Awaiting Redemption episode, and how much his family means to him. It says that Gina has taken on the same kind of role for Hal that Nancy has for the one and only George Jones, she often accompanies her husband out there on the road and is totally involved in every aspect of his career. At the end of the interview, Hal says "The bottom line is that I have fun at home, I have fun on the road, and I've got it all". Maverick is available by subscription from their web site (you can also just purchase the December issue if you wish) If anyone has any problems and would like me to get them a copy of this magazine, please let me know.
Hal's new CD 'The King of Love' was released in the UK this week. It features the following 15 songs:
According to Hal's Official Site, Hal is having his first Art Opening at the famous Pena Gallery. The date on the Pena web site says December 27/28 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I also read that Hal and Gina have just finished their first childrens picture book together, to be released in late 2003.
Hal appeared in Belfast on Thursday 26th September 2002, the concert was broadcast on Radio 2. Hal sang 'Past The Point of Rescue', 'Five O'Clock World', 'Every Time I Look In Your Eyes', 'Dear Anna Lee', 'Stay Forever', 'Dreams of Martina', and 'Awaiting Redemption'.
Hal appeared on the Opry again this weekend. On Friday (9th August 2002) he sang 'Small Town, Saturday Night' and was joined on stage by his daughter Ruby Joy. Hal then went backstage to take part in an online chat. On Saturday (10 August) he sang 'Five O'Clock World and Stay Forever' in his first half hour, and then 'Past The Point of Rescue' in the second. I managed to ask him 3 questions during the online chat. Firstly, I asked what the title is of the Sylvester Stallone movie in which Hal sings the main song on the soundtrack. It is called 'Avenging Angelo', and the song is 'Every Time I Look Into Your Eyes'. I asked if he was coming to the UK in the near future, and he said he is coming over to Belfast to record the Daniel O'Donnell show and the Kelly show in late September. As far as I know, they are not even shown in England. Finally I asked Hal if he ever reads the e-mails that his fans send to him via his web site. He said that the webmaster keeps him up to date with things. Not sure if that means he does or not, but he doesn't seem to answer any of them! Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry again this weekend (Friday 2nd August and Saturday 3rd August 2002). I couldn't listen live online, but halfan Mary V wrote the following report:On Friday night Hal appeared on the segment hosted by Jeanie Seely. She told about Hal writing a poem for his Opry induction and introduced Hal as the "Poet Of The Opry". Hal sang Five O'Clock World and then closed with Stay Forever. On the first show Saturday night which was hosted by Pam Tillis, Hal sang Five O'Clock World and closed with Stay Forever. Pam introduced Hal as a devoted father of a five year old and a thirteen month old(I think Pam forgot how old Ruby was). The second show was hosted by Little Jimmie Dickens. After Little Jimmie had introduced Hal, Hal told the audience about how he had gotten Little Jimmie to induct him as a member of the Opry and that he loved and respected him very much. Hal sang Past The Point Of Rescue and closed with Dreams Of Martina Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry this Saturday 13th July 2002. I hope you all managed to see Hal on CMT, or at least
listen to the show via the internet. If not, here is a short review of the
first hour.Hal was presenting this special songwriter's hour, which was an opporunity for the writers to perform some of their own songs made famous by other artists, and he started by introducing Marcus Hummon, Bob Dipiero and Bobby Braddock. Hal then sang 'Sure Love'. Marcus Hummon was next to sing, with his version of a song he co-wrote with Sara Evans, - 'Born To Fly'. Bob DiPiero sang 'Church on Cumberland Road' which I think was a hit for Shenandoah, and 'Mirror Mirror' a hit for Diamond Rio. Hal then introduced Bobby Braddock, who, in Hal's words, wrote the best country song ever recorded, 'He Stopped Loving Her Today'. Marcus Hummon sang 'Only Love', a hit for Wynonna, and Bobby Braddock sang the song made popular by Toby Keith 'I Wanna Talk About Me', and 'Time Marches On', which was a hit for Tracy Lawrence. Hal then sent a message to his daughters, Ruby and Fani Rose, he said "I Love You - Go To Bed!", before singing 'Stay Forever'. Bob DiPiero sang an Oak Ridge Boys song, 'American Made', and Marcus Hummon followed, singing 'Cowboy Take Me Away,' which I think was a hit for the Dixie Chicks. The show finished with a tribute to 'a dear friend and great songwriter, Harlan Howard'. Hal said he stayed with Howard the first 3 times he came to Nashville. Hal, Bobby, Bob and Marcus sang 'Tiger By The Tail'. It sounded like a great time was had by all, especially the audience. At one point during the show, someone shouted out, "I love you Hal". Hal got her to stand up, and said, "See that person there, she loves me!". Then another woman shouted out "I love you too Hal!". Hal got her to stand up, and said "She loves me too, and it's really beautiful, 'cos I'm not much, but I'm all I think about!" Later on in the evening, Hal hosted a further half hour segment, featuring Charlie Walker, Marcus Hummon and the Opry Square Dance Band and Dancers. Hal sang 'Past The Point of Rescue' and 'Stay Forever'. I just bought a magazine dated 1994, which has pictures of Hal's visit to the UK and Ireland in that year. I have scanned the pages into my Bravenet photo album, if anyone would like to see them, CLICK HERE.Hal appeared on the Bill Cody show last night(8th June 2002) on the GAC channel. Here is Mary V's report:Hal was dressed in a short sleeve black shirt and black jeans. In the first segment of the show Bill and Hal talked about the Threadbare Alibis album. Bill asked Hal how much it cost to record that album. Hal told him that it cost $9,000. Hal said that he had the masters to Threadbare Alibis under his bed for two years. He decided on the title because he like the line from I Miss My Mary which he had just written at the time he decided to produce the album. They also discussed the Small Town Saturday Night video. Hal said that he and Jim McQuire has come up with the concept of that video. At the end of the first segment the video for Past The Point Of Rescue and I Know Where Love Lives were shown. In segment two Hal and Bill talked abut Where the video for I Know Where Love Lives was shot. Hal also talked about his hairstyle in the video. He said he hadn't realized that he had a mullett. He said there was a guy who has a website devoted to this type hairstyle. The making of the Sure Love video was also discussed. At the end of the segment the Sure Love video was shown and the Alan Jackson/George Jones video for A Good Year For The Roses. In segment three Hal and Bill talked about the Grand Ole Opry. Hal said that the night of his Opry induction was a very special moment for him because his father who was very ill at the time got to see him become a member of the Opry. He said that his Dad was a big fan of the Opry. He said that he felt at that moment in time it was something he had achieved for his fans who had been so loyal to him. Now it become to mean so much more to him that it has become a family relationship. Bill and Hal also talked about Ruby Joy's appearance on the Opry stage recently. Hal and Bill talked about the Hal,Yes, I Saw The Light and Awaiting Redemption albums. Hal also talked about the making of the I Saw The Light video. He said it was fun flirting with Gina all day. The I Saw The Light video was shown. The next segment ws spent talking about the Lucky Man album and Rodney Crowell. At the end of this segment the video Men by the Forrester Sisters was shown followed by the video for She Is. In the final segment Hal and Gill talked about Gina and the girls. Hal said that Fani turned 5 at the end of April and that Ruby Joy was 16 months old. He said that Fani was feeling very much like the Big Sister to Ruby. They have been looking for a school for Fani to attend. Hal said that they went to a school the other day and when they drove up Fani said,'that school is gray. I think I want to go to a blue one'. Thanks for that, Mary. Hal fan Deanie went to the Opry on 18th May 2002 and saw Hal perform live, lucky woman! She took some great photos of Hal on stage, CLICK HERE to see them.I just came across a website with some photos of Hal taken at the Cambridge Folk Festival here in the UK in 1999, just a couple of days after I saw him in Sheffield. I THINK IT'S ABOUT TIME FOR ANOTHER UK TOUR HAL!!I just received an e-mail from Thom Bresh, apparently Hal is not joining him on the Alaska tour, unfortunately he cancelled a few months ago and was replaced by the group Shenandoah.If anyone is unable to see the video of Hal fly-fishing, I have captured a few of the frames, CLICK HERE to see them. Thom said it is quite easy to download the Quicktime viewer though, but I know some people have WEB TV and can't do that. If you haven't already been to Thom's site, (http://www.bresh.com/main.html) check it out, it is brilliant. Check out the Thom Bresh website for a few new pics of Hal on tour last month, and also a short video showing Hal fly fishing! (you need Quicktime installed on your pc to see it).
I came across a short video clip of a song by Tish Hinojosa, called 'I'm Not Through Loving You Yet'. The video shows Tish singing, and being filmed by 'cameramen" Hal, Joe Ely and Kevin Welch. You only see Hal for a few seconds, and it is quite an old video, but wow, does he look good on there or what?! You can also see the video if you have Windows Media Player on the web site LAUNCH.COM, you just need to do a search for Tish Hinojosa at the top of their page.
The radio station WSM 650 has recently changed it's web site, so in future you will need Windows Media Player to listen online and not Real Player.Hal appeared at the Opry this Friday 1st March 2002. He sang 'Past The Point of Rescue' and 'Stay Forever', and was joined on stage by his baby daughter Ruby Joy. There are some great photos of that night for you to see online, CLICK HERE to see them. According to Hal's Official Website, Hal is in the studio producing his new CD for Curb, due out in the fall. There is also an e-mail address if you want to contact Hal, which is Business@halketchum.com . And you can fill in a form (look at the bottom left corner of the site) to receive a newsletter. Things ARE looking up, aren't they?!At long last, the DVD Video Collection of Hal's hits was finally released on 12 FEBRUARY!!
The videos on it are:
Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday 29th December 2001. He was the host of the televised hour, beginning with the song 'Past the Point of Rescue'.
He then intoduced BR549, and they sang a couple of songs. Guy Clark was next, with Hal, Gillian Welsh, Emmylou Harris and David Rawlins joining him onstage for the second of his two songs.
Hal sang 'Awaiting Redemption', then introduced Emmylou Harris, who sang a couple of songs. Hal asked her to tell the audience what the Ryman Auditorium building meant to her.
Then came Stonewall Jackson who sang one song, and Jack Greene who sang three.Hal finished off the hour with 'Sure Love'. He did a great job of hosting the show, and I am sure it won't be long before he is invited back again! Hal began his stint as host for the 10pm show with a new song called 'Run Loretta Run'. Not sure if he wrote it or not. When Guy Clark appeared, he invited Hal, Gillian, Emmylou and David to join him again to sing 'Old Friends'. Hal closed his segment with 'I Know Where Love Lives'. At the beginning of the televised portion of the Opry, the girl from CMT talked to Hal who was joined by Gina, Fani and Ruby Joy. (How I wish CMT was still shown over here in the UK! Thanks Mary V for filling me in on Hal's second appearance).  The 3C Digital website did an interview with Hal on Friday 21st December 2001, the transcript will be available on the site shortly. If you can't wait though, CLICK HERE to read it on Jodi's Fan Forum Site.Hal appeared at the Ryman on 11th November 2001 in the 'American Pride Benefit Concert'. He sang two songs, the first was 'Satisfied Mind', which he dedicated to a woman who had lost her fiance in the Trade Centre Tragedy. He also sang 'Stay Forever'.Hal appeared at the Opry this weekend (3rd November 2001). The first song, ''Keep the Souvenirs" was co-written by Hal and Shi-Ann and Joshua Ragsdale, of Natchez, Mississippi, who joined him on stage to sing it, the second song was 'Stay Forever'.  Hal appeared at the Opry again on Friday 19th October 2001, he hosted the half hour segment between 8 and 8.30pm. He first sang 'Satisfied Mind' (acapella) and later he sang 'Stay Forever'. He also joined in with a song he wrote called 'A Polka Day', which was being performed by a singer called Lynn Marie. At the end of the show he was presented with a print of a 'Nancy' cartoon which featured his face on a t-shirt. Hal appeared at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend (22nd September 2001). He was on during the televised portion of the show from 7 - 8pm, when he sang 'Don't Let Go', and 'Wings of a Dove' and again during the 10.30 - 11pm half hour, which he hosted. During this segment, he sang 'Past the Point of Rescue' and 'Stay Forever'. Then the Opry's general manager Pete Fisher came on stage and presented Hal with a 75th Anniversary Opry Member Award.
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