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death – Obituary News : Ray Hildebrand, one half of the popular 60s pop duo Paul and Paula, has sadly passed away at the age of 82 in Kansas City. The news of his death was confirmed by his publicist, who stated that Hildebrand passed away “peacefully” while being surrounded by his family.
Born in Texas in 1940, Hildebrand’s musical journey began when he met his singing partner, Jill Jackson, at Howard Payne College. Together, they formed the duo Paul & Paula and went on to achieve considerable success with their music. Several of their songs, including “First Quarrell,” “Young Lovers,” “Something Old,” and “First Day Back at School,” made their way onto the prestigious Billboard charts.
However, it was their iconic hit “Hey Paula” that truly propelled them to stardom. Released in 1963, the track became a multi-million-seller and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three consecutive weeks. This enduring success solidified Paul & Paula’s place in music history.
Throughout their career, Paul & Paula released two albums and even a Christmas-themed set. However, the duo decided to part ways in 1965 when Hildebrand expressed his desire to complete his university education and explore new musical directions. Despite the end of their official partnership, Hildebrand and Jackson remained friends and occasionally reunited for special performances.
Deeply rooted in his Christian faith, Hildebrand’s solo work was heavily influenced by his beliefs. His record “Say I Do” is widely regarded as a seminal work within the contemporary Christian genre. Additionally, Hildebrand collaborated with Paul Land, forming the duo Land & Hildebrand, and continued to create impactful Christian music.
Ray Hildebrand’s contributions to the world of music will always be remembered. His talent, alongside Jill Jackson as Paul & Paula, brought joy to countless fans during the 60s. As news of his passing spreads, fans and fellow musicians alike mourn the loss of a true musical legend. Ray Hildebrand’s legacy will continue to resonate through his timeless songs and his unwavering devotion to his faith..
