Keith's Official Texas Memorial Service/Tribute/Benefit...

...will be at Gruene Hall, November 17, 2009, 7-11 pm.  Musicians, family and friends from Nashville to Austin to Roanoke, Virginia, will gather in New Braunfels, to give tribute to the life and music of Keith Ranson Carper, 50, longtime bassist for country artist Hal Michael Ketchum. Born in Hollywood, Florida, and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Keith has been a resident of Texas since 1989 when he followed fellow musicians and friends Gene and Betty Elders to Austin from Roanoke, Virginia. Carper, a Berklee College of Music alumnus, instantly grabbed the attention of the Austin music community as a profoundly gifted bassist, garnering a coveted top ten position in the prestigious Austin Chronicle Musicians Poll, landing him work with renowned Texas artists George Ensle, Tish Hinojosa, the Bow Brannon Band, the Primitive Moderns, Kris Kristofferson, Hal Ketchum, and later, Stephen Bruton & the Resentments. Keith's love of music and an inimitable, intuitive artistry defined each performance.  But it was his unforgettable work with Hal Ketchum that put his artistry on the international musical map, and subsequently forged a friendship with Ketchum lasting more than 20 years.

Sadly, on September 22, 2009, Keith collapsed at home from a fatal heart attack. Later that week, during opening strains of Bob Ferguson's classic hymn, "On the Wings of A Dove", a grief-stricken Ketchum would spontaneously eulogize his longtime pal:

"There wasn't a garden he couldn't grow,
there wasn't a pastry he didn't know--
There wasn't a home he wasn't welcome in;
there wasn't a song he couldn't sing,
there wasn't a note he couldn't reach--
there wasn't a friend he wouldn't come to..."

Keith will be long remembered by all who knew him for his gentle sweetness, his love of life organic, his relentless penchant for gardening, an eternal willingness to help others, his ready smile and unforgettable laughter, and of course, his consummate artistry. Keith didn't simply play music, he became it.

Regrettably, like too many brilliant musical lights we have known and loved, he died without medical benefits. To help offset remaining financial burdens, the evening at Gruene will also be a benefit--all proceeds and donations going to this end.  The evening will be opened by pastor and fellow musician, Kent Johnson. Special guests will include Keith's daughter, Chelsea, and numerous musical friends. Those unable to attend may send donations via the Paypal "DONATE" button on this page, or send check or money order earmarked to the "Keith Carper Memorial Fund", c/o Whistling Pig Music, P.O. Box 935, Dripping Springs, TX 78620.

For more information you may call Central Texas Music Service/Whistling Pig Music at 512-858-9215, or simply go to KeithCarper.com or Gruenehall.com.

--Betty Elders

The Music World Mourns the Passing of A Brilliant Light...

This page will be used to connect musicians, friends and family of Keith Ranson Carper, who earned his wings on September 22, 2009. We will also use this space to coordinate all memorial events and related activities, and share news.

We invite you to post your own thoughts and remembrances here, as you are led to. Some of your words may be shared at his official Memorial Service/Tribute/Benefit to be held Tuesday November 17, 2009, 7-11 pm, in New Braunfels, Texas, at Gruene Hall.

Pass it on...