Ray Hildebrand - The Best Of Ray Hildebrand 1967-1976

Published Friday 21st April 2006
Ray Hildebrand - The Best Of Ray Hildebrand 1967-1976

STYLE: Jesus Music
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 16722-9700
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album

Reviewed by Mark Lawrence

Pop historians will identify the name Ray Hildebrand as one half of Paul & Paula who in 1962 cut the million selling classic "Hey Paula". What they may know less about is that Ray was a Christian who by 1967 was recording albums for Word Records. Now this fascinating compilation gives us the best cuts from the Hildebrand albums 'He's Everything To Me' (1967), 'I Need You Every Hour' (1971), 'Special Kind Of Man' (1973) and 'Welcome Warrior' (1976). Songs such as bluesy opener "Met God In The Morning" are easy on the ear and if you are a fan of his then you will know exactly what you are getting with this album. If you haven't heard any of Hildebrand's music from these early days of CCM then try and imaging if you can something that sounds like a cross between early Martyn Joseph and vintage Larry Norman. This is good quality musicianship which despite its slightly dated sound contains much that is truly timeless.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Colleen V in Geneva NY @ 03:01 on Dec 6 2008

My favorite Christmas song is "I Know Now" and Ray is the only person I've ever heard sing it. Unfortunately, I NEVER hear it on the radio. Where can I get a recording of it?



Posted by Justin in Kansas City @ 22:31 on Aug 31 2007

If you haven't had the privilege of meeting Ray, you should know he is an amazing person and a wonderful human. I had the good fortune to have Ray as a part of my youth group when I was younger. He was always a shining example of what it meant to be a Christian and was never too busy to spend time with anyone. He's truly a gift from God.



Posted by jim in minneapolis mn @ 15:14 on Jul 21 2007

the last time i visited with ray he was living in kansas city mo. still working with the youth ministery in his church. his wife passed away some years ago.



Posted by Judy in San Benito, Texs @ 06:54 on Mar 6 2007

I have wondered about Ray and Jill for a long time. Many years ago I heard he was in Dallas. I just heard that he had lived in the valley at one time......Harlingen, Tx. Is this true? I named my first daughter...Paula. Where are the now?



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