Grand Ole Opry Member Spotlight: Hal Ketchum

Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show - Nashville

Dierks Bentley - The Opry's Youngest Member

Hal Ketchum did not have the typical Opry member upbringing. Hal was raised in upstate New York and learned about country music by listening to his father's record collection. When he learned to play the drums at 15 Hal performed in several band in New York, but ultimately moved to Florida, then Texas, and finally Nashville, Tennessee.

Background and Early Career

• Hal Ketchum moved to Nashville, Tennessee in the mid 1980's and by 1986 had released his first album. He signed a deal with Forerunner Music, and eventually got a record deal with Curb Records.

Grand Ole Opry Induction

• Hal Ketchum was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 22, 1994. Upon his induction Ketchum read a poem he had written in praise and gratitude towards past and current Opry members. It brought home how honored he truly was to become a member of the Opry family.

Hal Ketchum at the Opry

• Hal still performs at the Grand Ole Opry often. Be sure to look at the VME Grand Ole Opry Blog to check out when he will be performing next!

Notable Hits You Might Hear at the Grand Ole Opry

• "Small Town Saturday Night"
• "Past the Point of Rescue"
• "Stay Forever"
• "Sure Love"
• "Mama Knows the Highway"
• "Hearts are Gonna Roll"

More Details

• These days Hal is in the process of finishing up his brand new album. The single "Just This Side of Heaven" is already climbing up the charts.
• Hal doesn't spend all of his time recording, though. He enjoys painting in his home studio. He is even in talks to display some of his work at the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum.
• See the complete list of current Grand Ole Opry members!