the fourth Child of School Teachers, Walter and Alma
Hildebrand. He graduated from Harlingen High School in the
Rio Grande Valley of Texas and attended Navarro Jr. College
in Corsicana, Texas and Howard Payne University in
Brownwood, Texas on Basketball Scholarship, obtaining a
Bachelor of Arts Degree in English.
Ray wrote and recorded “Hey Paula”, a #1 pop hit, in 1963.
Since then, he has traveled nationally and internationally
performing pop and Christian music, and also has published
music, writing songs, producing for television and directing
his church youth group. He has also assisted with several Bill
Glass Crusades as well as conducting a prison ministry. Ray
also worked 13 years with the National Fellowship of Christian
Athletes and was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
His music has spanned several decades and resulted in three
national music careers:
1. Paul and Paula…(pop) 1962-present
2. Ray Hildebrand…(contemporary Christian) 1967-present
3. Land and Hildebrand (Humor/Contemporary Christian)
1983-present. *15 albums from these careers
A widower, Ray was married for 35 years to Judy Hendricks,
his Paula. They have two children and 5 grandchildren.
Ray is currently working on both a movie and book of the true
love story behind the song, Hey Paula and is co-host and star
of the “It’s Branson Tonight” radio show.
To purchase album copies or to book Ray, or Land and
Hildebrand, for your next event, contact Ray Hildebrand at
rayh@loganstjames.com.
House Theatre with Tamra Holden
Tinoco in 2005