<p>Singer-songwriter <strong>Ruby Joy Ketchum</strong>,16, daughter of BMI award-winning songwriter and Grand Ole Opry member <strong>Hal Ketchum</strong> and celebrity stylist <strong>Gina Ketchum</strong>, has signed with BMI for exclusive publishing.</p>
<p>“Having grown up going to BMI number one parties and having the awards hang on our walls at home, I am excited to now myself be a member of the amazing family and community of songwriters here,&#8221; says the talented young songwriter. Two of Ruby Joy’s original songs are set to be in the soundtrack of a Disney feature film being released in early 2019 (working title, not yet released.) She will also be traveling to Ireland in 2018 to work with fellow writers on an upcoming BBC TV program.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-35038" src="http://www.countrymusicnewsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/Ruby-Joy-Ketchum-News-400x266.jpg" alt="Ruby Joy Ketchum on Country Music News Blog" width="400" height="266" /></p>
<p>Ruby Joy received a standing ovation earlier this year for her performance of the Patsty Cline hit, &#8220;Have You Ever Been Lonely?&#8221; at <a title="the Grand Ole Opry" href="https://countrymusicontour.com/category/the-grand-ole-opry/">the Grand Ole Opry</a>. That was not, however, her first time on <a title="the Opry" href="https://countrymusicontour.com/category/the-grand-ole-opry/">the Opry</a> stage. “My mom and dad introduced me on <a title="the Opry" href="https://countrymusicontour.com/category/the-grand-ole-opry/">the Opry</a> Stage when I was 11 days old. I literally took my naps in my dad’s guitar case stage right.” She then went on to perform as his bass player on the same stage at age 9. “Since I grew up around music every day, I can play many instruments.” With her effortless 3 octave range of graceful lead vocals and harmonies, Ruby Joy is writing and recording with all genre writers and will continue traveling and writing in the coming year. Stay tuned for her release of original music, with the launch of her YouTube channel in early 2018.</p>
<p>&#8220;There’s always an extra reason to celebrate when the daughter or son of a successful BMI songwriter follows in their footsteps and signs with us. Such is the case with Ruby, whose father Hal Ketchum, signed with BMI at the beginning of his career. Ruby is a breath of fresh air, just as her dad was when he emerged on the scene. We are thrilled to welcome Ruby into the BMI family!&#8221; says Jody Williams, VP creative of BMI Nashville. &#8220;Ruby Joy is such a unique talent. From the moment I met her, I could feel that she oozed creativity. Her sound is unlike anyone else on the scene; she’s a true individual and the staff at BMI can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her.&#8221; adds Leslie Roberts, BMI&#8217;s Executive Director, Writer-Publisher Relations.</p>