Stories about Jay
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Jay has been my friend since we were 10 years old. He was in my first band in 1978 when we were both 13 years old. Everyone in the band eventually went on to become professional musicians. Jay and I always stayed in touch with each other even though we both moved to different parts of the world. He has been a constant friend and confidant through it all. He has always made me laugh and we always had a great time together playing music, surfing, skating and sharing jokes. He had an incredible love for music. Even though our tastes in music were different, we still respected each others abilities and skills.
Jay came to hang out with me in Mexico several times before he got too sick to travel. He is loved by everyone here in my small little town (La Mision, Mexico). They were lucky enough to hear him perform and sing while he was here. I love Jay like a brother. - Derek Wille
Jay was a regular visitor for us in Mexico. When he would plan to come, he would always ask if we needed anything from the states. This particular visit we did -- a door to the guest room he would stay in. We had just moved into our new rental home and we were fixing it up for visitors but that room had no door. Sure enough, in Jay fashion, he traveled from Colorado over the border with a door in the back of his pickup truck, a silver Chevy Silverado which was so big it could barely fit in our driveway. Big was a word that I would use to describe Jay. I think he would like that. He lived big. He had a big sense of humor that would make you giggle and laugh out loud. He gave nicknames to our dogs like Zetta whom he quickly named Vendetta, and, Ritchie whom he called by his proper name Richard. He had a big heart. A big smile. Big dreams. And, fittingly, a big truck.
Jay was always looking to help out a friend. He would never ask to visit without offering to do something for us in return. His generosity was big like his smile. When he came to visit that first time, he spent the first morning putting that door in so it would fit perfectly. First things first! He could mix duty with adventure easily probably learned from his days as a Marine. And his good taste? There was always a sushi dinner somewhere to be found and shared.
Most people may speak of Jay through his music. I remember him for his heart. Bigger than all the sold out shows. Our hearts are aching and breaking Jay. Be free of pain and fly on high with the angels. - Stacey DiTata
Jay and I were cousins. His Dad is my Moms brother. I was out in Phoenix visiting a friend and Jay happened to be there at the same time. I invited him to join us for a round of golf. We were on the very 1st hole getting ready to tee off and here comes Jay, he was running late. As any golfer will attest you typically like to warm up and hit some balls prior to teeing off, but he was so late he didn’t have a chance. Jay grabs his driver gets up on the tee box and without even taking a practice swing ripped it dead center fairway about 300 yds. My buddy looks at me and said what the F. Who is this guy? I said that’s my cousin, even though I must admit I was completely shocked as well. Jay was also a very talented golfer. - Dave Maxey
My parents and Jays have been friends for years. When we were in 5th grade Jay invited me to a school dance. I always though he was so nice & good looking so I said yes!!! His family picked me up in an RV so our parents could all go! Lol. We had a great time. He was a gentleman. After we all went to an ice cream parlor where I learned that sprinkles are called Jimmie’s in Odenton! What a sweet memory of a great guy!! - Lisa Sweetman
What sets Jay Ketchem apart from other country Singers? Jay is a true country cowboy and 100% Entertainer. In 2001, Jay was named the Champion All-Around Cowboy. Since then, this cowboy, and former Marine has found peace in writing about his personal experiences in life, family and traveling the world. What began as a way of expression has evolved into a way of life.
Jay played drums from early childhood picking up guitar while serving in the United States Marine Corps and he was always singing something somewhere. He's had some success at Country radio in 2007 with his song "Poor Thing" that went to #42 on the Music Row Radio chart. Jay has opened for Garth Brooks, Ricky Scaggs, Toby Keith, Tim Mcgraw, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, Ray Scott, Brothers Osborne, Keith Urban, Josh Gracin, Chris Cagle, Alan Jackson, Sugarland, Carry Underwood,Gretchen Wilson, Jon Pardi, Gary Allan, Jake Owen, Phil Vassar, Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler & Jack Ingram, Brad Paisley, John Anderson, Terri Clark, Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Western Underground, Billy Currington, Chris Young and so many more.....
"His pursuit of a musical career led him back to Nashville, where he became involved once again in the music scene both as a singer and a staff songwriter. As a result of his involvement in the music scene, Jay re connected with producer, Russ Zavitson who gave Jay his first shot at song writing as well as an Artist. Russ has worked with the likes of The Kinley's and The Wilkinsons, among various other country artists. With his musical ties in Nashville, Jay moved to Las Vegas to perform 6 nights a week for 2 1/2 years in the "Country Fever Show" at the infamous "Golden Nugget." After building his fan base in Vegas, Jay moved to Grand Junction, Colorado to focus more on family.
While pursuing this aspect of his life and career, Jay began performing at Whiskey River three nights a week. Performing as the house band at Whiskey River, Jay has been able to develop an incredibly large and loyal fan base and now close to 3,000 Facebook followers. A few years later after much success Jay heard the word no one ever wants to hear…. Cancer. But God was gracious enough to allow Jay to once again deliver a song like no one can. He is ever so thankful for Gods wonderful gift and intends to share it with as many people as he possibly can. Now living in the Phoenix are Jay plans to spread the love to as many people as possible with every intention of making a huge splash and enjoying delivering his song like never before!