• Artist Name: Jay Kutcher
• Hometown: Jonquière Québec Canada

What project(s) are you currently working on?

My second album

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

My own family (Father, Uncles etc) are musicians, signers. So since I’m young.

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

I’m really good in construction.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

To be with my family.

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

Luke Bryan

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

Montreal Canadians NHL Hockey Team

What is the last movie that you watched?

James Bond

What is the last album you listened to?

Tucker Wetmore

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Jay Kutcher album

What is the greatest country song of all time?

Too many great songs to have only one.

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

Nashville

What is your favorite meal?

Tomahawk on Kamado Grill.

Who is your dream duet partner?

Luke Bryan

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Luke Bryan Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, Morgan Wallen

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

To play at the Bell Center, Madisson Square Garden, CMA in Nashville all and big festivals !!!

How can fans connect with you on Social Media?

Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok

Image via Grand Ole Opry

Kentucky-native Tom T. Hall, known as The Storyteller, has passed away at the age of 85.  Hall was a well-decorated legend of Country Music with one heck of a musical resume after serving in the Army.  Here are some of his career highlights:

• Member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1971
• Won a Grammy in 1973 for Best Album Notes for his 1973 album Tom T. Hall Greatest Hits
• Inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2002
• Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008
• Inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame along with his late wife Dixie in 2018
• Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019
• Wrote twelve #1 hits, including the smash hit “Harper Valley PTA” for Jeannie C. Riley
• 28 years after the success of “Harper Valley PTA,” he was still writing #1 hit songs as Alan Jackson took his “Little Bitty” to the top of the charts in 1996
• One of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Songwriters
• Along with his late wife Dixie, named the Bluegrass Song Writer of the Year 12 times
• Seven Top-10 Albums
• Twenty-one Top-1o Singles as an artist
• Thirty-nine Top-40 Singles as an artist

Some of his other better known hits include “I Like Beer,” “I Love,” “That’s How I Got To Memphis” (performed by Bobby Bare), “(Old Dogs, Children And) Watermelon Wine,” “Faster Horses (The Cowboy and the Poet),” “The Year Clayton Delaney Died,” “That Song is Driving Me Crazy” and more.

Here is what some of his peers are saying of his passing.  We’ll continue to update this as remembrances come in.

• Bobby Bare – I’m devastated at the loss of one of my oldest friends of 57 years, Tom T. Hall. We were more than friends, he called me ‘Brother Bob’ and we had so much in common. We were both from the same part of the country with a similar childhood – but he was a brilliant storytelling songwriter, a trait I always recognized and admired. I think I recorded more Tom T. Hall songs than anyone! I just miss him a whole lot, there will never be another.
• Carly Pearce – One of my all time favorite songs is “Harper Valley P.T.A” RIP to one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Tom T. Hall. Your legacy & songs will live on.
• Chris Janson – Rip Tom T Hall … my neighbor. Sad to lose another legend.
• Don McLean – I worked with Tom on several occasions, and he was always a gentleman. He was a very interesting songwriter and a fun person to be around. He contributed a great deal to country music and he got to live a full life.
• David Frizzell – Frizzell and West enjoyed being the guests on the TV Show “Pop Goes The Country” with Tom T. Hall as host. We had a great time. ‘Say Hello To Heaven’, Tom T.
• Drive-By Truckers – Damn. The greatest storyteller songwriter of all time. A writer’s writer. There’s at least a dozen categories of song that he wrote arguably the best ever example of.
• Elizabeth Cook – He told our story and made it relatable while doing it with such care heart and craft…he is as revered as ANY literary great in my book. Even More. He has set a standard for me and I continue to strive for it. He spoke for my people. RIP Tom T Hall
• J.D. Shelburne – I’m shocked and saddened to hear the tragic passing of fellow Kentuckian Tom T Hall! One of the pioneers of songwriting and a hall of famer that was known everywhere. Country music has lost one of the good ones. Prayers to the family.
• Janie Fricke – Tom T. Hall made a great impact in country music and beyond, with the social messages written in his songs, such as “Harper Valley P.T.A.”, a huge hit for Jeanie C. Riley.  I just visited with her at a show I did in Carthage, Texas and it brought back great memories of that era and time in my life. Greatly missed, and loved.
• Jeannie Seely – It is difficult to believe the Storyteller of our time is gone, his stories have been told and that is so hard to imagine, as we all want to hear more.  If you listen to “I Love” you know Tom T,  and you also know that’s why HE was loved so much. He reminded us that those little things were so special, like little baby ducks. One of the treasures that I regret losing in the flood was a handwritten note to me from Tom T. for the ‘recipes’ I had written for the Animal Land Cookbook. He said it was a gift to be able to make someone laugh in one paragraph and cry in the next, and he should know because he did that often. The treasure I regret losing most of all is Tom T. Hall as he was truly a gift. It helps to know that today he is reunited with Miss Dixie and all the dogs they’ve ever loved.
• Jerry Lee Lewis – Another good friend, another legend, Tom T. Hall has left us! Tom T. was a true songwriter, The Storyteller was a great nickname for him because he really was the epitome of that. I am so glad I got to know this wonderful man. May he Rest In Peace and God Bless his family.
• Joe Bonsall (The Oak Ridge Boys) – In 1978 when we sang at Mama Maybelle Carter’s funeral a saddened Johnny Cash walked up to the podium and asked Tom T Hall to stand with him. Johnny said “I draw strength from you Tom!” Thank you Tom T Hall for the song’s and the strength you provided to so many.
• John Anderson – Tom T. was the ultimate storyteller. His songwriting had the ability to make you see a story unfolding in your head. Such a unique and incredibly talented man. He will be missed.
• Keith Urban – My second concert (at the age of 5 !!) was Tom T. Hall. What a gifted literary musical artist he was. Peace be with all of his friends, family, and admirers today. Thank you Mr. Hall
• Kendell Marvel – Not a better storyteller to ever take a breath than #TomTHall He could write a whole book and condense it down to 3 minutes and tell the whole story. RIP genius
• Lacy J. Dalton – I loved him – he was always so kind and good to me – and so complimentary – when I was first in Nashville and he heard me sing, he said he thought I must be the reincarnation of Hank Williams – what a lovely thing to say. I will miss him.
• Lorrie Morgan – I had the pleasure of working with Tom T. Hall and also socializing with him and his lovely wife, Dixie, along with Ralph Emery and his lovely wife, Joy. As a youngster on the Ralph Emery Show and Nashville Now, I had the pleasure of working with a lot of great artists. Tom T. Hall was one of those artists who always intrigued me. He gave me great advice from the moment we met. He said ‘little lady, you’ve got talent and you’re destined to be a star.’ ‘Just remember,’ he said ‘always follow your heart.’ I always loved his songwriting. I thought the simplicity of his writing was the beauty of his writing. He will be sadly missed in this business and in our personal lives. He affected me in a very uplifting way at a time when I needed direction and support. God Bless his family in this time of grief.
• Mark Wills – I hate to hear of the passing of @opry member Tom T Hall. His songs are the epitome of great storytelling. He will be greatly missed. RIP Mr Tom.
• Mary Sarah – I grew up listening to Tom T. Hall on the radio or being covered in the Oprys of Texas. He is and will always be a Legend. Never forgotten. We will miss you, Mr. Hall. Sending all my love and prayers to his family in this time.
• Mickey Gilley – Tom T. Hall one of my favorite songwriters, two of my favorite songs are ‘I Like Beer and ‘Shoeshine Man!’ Of course the masterpiece was ‘Harper Valley PTA,’ what an awesome song. He will be missed
• Parker McCollum – Tom T Hall songs take me back to the vans days. So many late nights after a show listening to him. What a legend man RIP!
• Randall King – RIP Tom T
• Randy Owen (Alabama) – One (of) my heroes. An artist for the ages!!!!
• Ray Scott – Tom T Hall was the master. R. I. P
• Ray Stevens – What a great loss, what a great storyteller, and what a nice man. We’ll miss you, Tom.
• Ricky Skaggs – I was saddened to hear of Tom T. Hall’s passing. I loved him. He was a great Kentuckian with a heart of gold. He was a kind and gentle man. Lots of people come to Nashville to write songs, but Tom T. came to tell stories. These stories are everyone’s story. They are America’s story. Now he can truly say, ‘me and Jesus have our own thing going.
• Rodney Crowell – It saddens me to think Tom T. Hall has passed away. His Faster Horses album was in constant rotation on my turntable for years. He was as complicated a gentleman as he was a masterful storyteller and poet. I admired the man. I miss him already.
• Ronnie Milsap – Tom T. Hall was a great storyteller, artist, poet, friend and especially husband to the great love of his life, Miss Dixie. The only comfort I have in this loss is the idea they’re reunited tonight in heaven.
• Shane Owens – What a sad day in country music. We’ve yet again lost another legend. Truly an icon to so many in this business. Gone but will never be forgotten. RIP Tom T. Hall. Prayers sent!”
• Storme Warren – RIP Tom T Hall. Thank you for the songs, your class and your hospitality. One of the greatest traditions in Nashville was Mr. Hall and Miss Dixie’s open house during Christmas. Open to anyone. It was magic.
• T. Graham Brown – Tom T. Hall was a one-of-a-kind human being. He left us with a body of songs the like of which we writers can only dream. His records were hits. A successful author, his books were always fun to read. He made us laugh & cry. He was Hall of Famer & will be deeply missed.
• T.G. Sheppard – one thing I could always count on when doing shows with Tom T was that there would be laughter. His incredible poetic writing talent and storytelling genius will for sure be deeply missed. He truly was one of our industry’s great treasures.
• Tim Atwood – Tom T. Hall loved honest, open smiles, kisses from a child, tomatoes on the vine, and onions. He was the quintessential artist who painted life’s portrait with an economy of words, a storyteller with a philosopher’s wisdom, and a poet with the common man’s heart. I remember one glorious day at Fox Hollow with Tom and Miss Dixie–sitting around their kitchen table sharing stories–hoping that in some crazy way I would absorb even an ounce of his genius. He pulled out an old guitar that day and began to sing “The Homecoming.” I was spellbound as he wove his tale of a country music singer standing on his father’s doorstep after years on the road. There’s a sadness at the finality of Tom’s road days coming to an abrupt end, but peace in the fact that he is home for good now still loving winners when they cry, loser’s when they try, music when it’s good, and life.
• Tom T. Hall – Tom T. was one funny human being. He gave me a bull 35 years ago. He wrote me a note explaining his gift of the bull. ‘Larry my young friend, I’m mighty fond of this old bull because he’s got a bad knee, and that’s what kept me out of the Army.’ Kinda funny considering the fact that he joined the Army and later he performed for our military personnel all over the world. Yes, my friend Tom T. was one funny human being. One genuine, good human being and one of the very best wordsmiths on the planet. REST IN PEACE, my friend. Steve and Rudy didn’t get a bull but they loved old Tom T. too.
• Will Hoge – Tom T Hall was an absolute titan. If you ever met him or worked with him you saw it immediately. His songs live on forever to prove it. Thanks for setting the bar so high. My sympathies to his family.
• William Lee Golden – RIP Tom T. Hall. American Storyteller
• William Michael Morgan – We will miss you. Tom T. Hall
• WSM Radio – We will miss you, Tom T. Hall.  Thank you for all of the incredible music. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Country music has lost yet another star in 2020, as Hal Ketchum lost his battle with dementia last night, as reported on his Facebook page.  Probably best known for his debut signature hit “Small Town Saturday Night,” Ketchum charted eleven Top 25 singles, including three songs that peaked at #2 in the early 90’s (“Small Town Saturday Night,” “Past the Point of Rescue,” and “Hearts Are Gonna Roll”).  He also saw his single “Sure Love” reach the Top 5, peaking at #3 in 1992.  The Grand Ole Opry member was 67.

Here is what his colleagues in the country music world are saying about his loss:

• Adam Hood – Telluride, Colorado• July 2015 (the trip we found out we were expecting Drue). I was opening for Jack Ingram at the Songwriters Festival but Britni and I traveled a day early to catch Hal’s show. After his set, we went next door, sat in a booth at the pub and talked for HOURS! He was fascinating and funny, Brit was starstruck (which rarely happens) and I was reminded that a legend can be humble, approachable & kind! As you can see, I made a friend. I put his number in my phone as “Uncle Hal” just as he told me to do. There is NO ONE like him and I’m so thankful for these memories! Godspeed, Uncle Hal.
• B.J. Thomas – My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He made a lot of great music throughout his career.
• Bryan White – When I first heard “Small Town Saturday Night” on the radio I was in high school. I instantly went out and bought it. I was dreaming big during that time and it definitely played a role in my excitement for wanting to make records. I loved Hal’s voice and music. Sad to hear that he has left us but his music will live on. What a talent. Prayers for his family
• Dallas Moore – Rest In Peace Hal Ketchum. Godspeed Old Friend. Live Forever…..
• Dallas Remington – I’m so saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Ketchum. Although I never met him, he and his music were a huge part of my life. Growing up in a small town, “Small Town Saturday Night” became one of the theme songs of my life. He will be dearly missed!
• Danielle Kleha – I am so sad to hear of the passing of Hal Ketchum. Our Country music world for sure lost a legend. Although I was only born in the late 90s, some of my favorite artists and influences come from 90’s Country. “Small Town Saturday Night” has always been a favorite of mine. Hal’s memory will live on forever through his music and all he inspired. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends
• David Ball – We have lost another good one. Hal Ketchum passed away this morning. Love to Hal and all his family. He was a brother.
• Deborah Allen  – Such a deep loss for our music community and for the world. Thank you, God, for giving us the gift of wonderful, talented Hal Ketchum. My heart and prayers are with the family, friends, and all who were touched by his music and songs. He will surely be loved, missed, and remembered Forever. Rest In Peace, Hal.
• Devon O’Day – I remember one year when Gerry House was promoting Oktoberfest and as a joke he challenged Hal Ketchum to come play live in the studio in a pair of lederhosen to yodel for the audience. It was off the cuff and on air and we had no idea Hal had heard until he just showed up wearing full German attire with knee socks, suspenders, leather shorts and an accordion.  I seldom saw Gerry House bested with a joke but this time he was. Hal sang and laughed with us at himself and the joy of life. He was brilliant. He had a voice he kept pristine throughout his career and dashing good looks that matured like the finest wine. But his laugh…his smile…his humor will always be my fondest memory of him. Our world is dimmer today without Hal’s smile.
• Elizabeth Cook – RIP @halketchum I played Ann Arbor #theark w/him -I only knew him as a country hit maker. He played solo and BLEW. MY. MIND. His voice,guitar,songs! +he was incredibly friendly n fun n we jammed. he welcomed me. it was a beautiful experience. He’ll b missed. #oneofakind
• Flatland Cavalry – We’re gonna howl at the moon, shoot out the light It’s a small town Saturday night… RIP
• J.D. Shelburne – Thoughts and prayers out to the family of Hal Ketchum. One of my favorite voices of the Opry. I’m glad to know that he is no longer suffering and in a much better place. Our hearts are still gonna roll, Hal. We love you and will miss you but your songs will always remain.
• James Otto – RIP Hal Ketchum. I always held him in high regard. He was an authentic and original artist.
• Jeannie Seely – Very sad to hear of Hal’s passing. His poetic piece about becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry was so touching. He will certainly be missed.
• Jeff Carson – Rest in peace Hal Ketchum. What a horrible year
• Jimmy Wayne – #HalKetchum introduced me on the @opry 03/22/03 — it was my debut. I’ll never forget how nice he was to me on and off stage. He is part of my history. May his amazing singing voice live on forever. RIP, Hal.
• John Berry – I am saddened to hear the news of the passing of Hal Ketchum. He had such a distinctive voice and way of delivering a song. He was also a very nice man and wow, could he snow ski!! I will cherish the day I spent with Hal and Charlie Daniels the day we shot the video for the Long Haired Country Boy remake at Charlie’s place. If you watch the video and you think we must have had a lot of fun you’d be correct. It was a great day and will be forever a fond memory.
• John Rich – In memory of the great #HalKetchum I’d like to sing my favorite song of his, and dedicate it to all his fans and loved ones  See Video
  
• Johnny Lee – There is now another addition to the amazing band in heaven. I really hate to hear this. Hal was such a talented and wonderful guy.
• Kent Blazy – I met Hal thru the Allen Reynolds group at Jack’s Tracks and was lucky to do some shows with him. At the 1st 30A Songwriters show we did, he sang “Stay Forever” a cappella and it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
• LeAnn Rimes – So sad to hear that Hal Ketchum has gone to live amongst the angels. We will miss you down here, Hal! He was such a talent and a dear soul.
• Lockeland – Wow, what a year to lose another amazing artist of the 90s. Small Town Saturday Night was just one staple of many great songs Hal released. Regards to his family and friends and thank you for all of your iconic music
• Michelle Wright – So sad to hear that Hal Ketchum passed away last night due to complications of dementia. Our paths crossed several times over the years and we shared the stage a few times as well. Besides being a great talent and movie star handsome Hal was a kind soul. Rest In Peace.
• Mickey Lamantia – Today the industry lost another icon!! Hal Ketchum was one of those really cool guys with his own style. I  listened to him often back in the day. R.I.P Hal.
• Noah Garner – I was saddened to hear of the passing of Hal Ketchum today. I was blessed to be raised with nineties country icons such as Hal, and am forever grateful for his musical influence.
• Oak Ridge Boys – The Oak Ridge Boys are saddened over the loss of Hal Ketchum … a great voice and a great guy … 2020 has been hard … so many country music artists and songwriters have gone home this year … Rest easy Hal.
• Radney Foster – When Hal Ketchum sang he packed so much truth and passion into every lyric. His tenor rang so clear. I will miss you brother. Godspeed you home.
• Randy Rogers Band – This ol world is gonna miss ya Hal. Thanks for the love and the songs.
• Ray Scott – In the 90’s, I discovered Hal Ketchum and recognized him as a true artist who didn’t seem manufactured… I was an instant fan.. have been ever since… even got to open a couple shows for him along the way… RIP HAL.. You were one of a kind. The damn good kind.
• Rodney Crowell – Video Message
• Sawyer Brown – So sad to hear that our road brother Hal Ketchum passed away last night due to complications of dementia. We travelled a lot of miles together back in the day—Hal was one of the good guys. Rest In Peace.
• Steve Goetman (Exile) – Hal’s debut in country music was explosive. Unique-sounding singer, prolific and commercial songwriter and drop dead handsome, Hal presented as the total package. As an instant fan I requested and received the opportunity to interview Hal for an article in Country Song Roundup magazine. We covered a bunch of topics, but kept returning to songwriting and his process of inspiration. “When I’m preparing to write for a new project,” he explained, “I feel myself seizing up emotionally, and I exorcize all of it by writing”. In contrast to exploring the depths of his artistry, we had a few hearty laughs, too. Hal was honest and open that day, and I liked him a lot.
• Suzy Bogguss – So sorry to hear of the passing of my good friend Hal Ketchum He was such a beautiful singer/artist and a soul to match.  We’re lucky we still get to hear his recordings as there was never a voice like his
• T. Graham Brown  -Hal was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever known. We always had a special bond. I’m saddened to hear of his passing but gladdened to know his physical pain is over. Sheila and my prayers are with his family today. R.I.P. my brother.
• Tim Atwood – My heart is breaking for the family of Hal Ketchum. I always enjoyed playing the Grand Ole Opry with Hal. He stepped on that stage with a smile on his face, and the music he sang was pure poetry. He will be missed.
• Tim Rushlow – Hal Ketchum was a singers singer. One of the nicest guys in the business and I so enjoyed our conversations about history. I can’t say enough about how cool he was on and off stage. I will be cranking up my favorite song of his today! Do yourself a favor and listen to “In front of the Alamo” and you’ll know what I mean. Rest easy my friend.
• Toby Keith – RIP Hal Ketchum See Video
  
• Ty Herndon – It truly is a sad day. I Just heard about the passing of my friend Hal Ketchum. He leaves a true legacy of music. A legacy of country music. He was kind, dashingly handsome, and super talented. His daughters call me uncle Ty- I witnessed him fall madly in love with their mother. He had some troubled days towards the end. This journey is over for you man… But you will be remembered as one of the best. Now go write and sing one with Jesus- and give my grandma a hug. Rest in peace brother