In early 1983, Paul Land and Ray Hildebrand teamed up for
a night of music and fun at a local Christian coffeehouse. Their performance
as a duo that night made them both aware of their musical strength and versatility
together. It became evident to them why Jesus sent men out "by twos".
From this beginning, they have presented their peculiar brand of music
and mayhem to audiences nationwide. Land & Hildebrand released their
first album, "Phrogs, Pharaoh's, & Phorgiveness" in 1986,
followed by "State of the Heart" in 1989. In 1991, Harvest Communications
of Wichita, Kansas recorded "Land & Hildebrand/Live at Roxy's"
a sixty-minute "in concert" video. Another album of original music,
plus songs borrowed from other waggish minstrels, was released in late 1992.
Called "A Poet and A Wealthy Man", it included "Mississippi
Squirrel Revival", the song that proved that things are not always
what they seem to be.
After a four year hiatus from the recording studio, "Good Medicine"
was released in early 1997and includes the classic, "Say I Do",
written by Ray Hildebrand in 1967. "Ballads, Babies and Barbeque"
made its debut in September of 2002.Part studio recordings and part live
cuts from Homer's Coffee House, it keeps up with the Land & Hildebrand
tradition of off-the-wall fun, and heart-stirring story songs.
In addition to their regular concert schedule, Ray and Paul
are very involved with various prison ministries, plus Pro Athletes Outreach,
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Athletes in Action.
Ray Hildebrand
Born in Joshua,
Texas, Ray was the fourth child
of school teachers. While a student at HowardPayneUniversity
in Brownwood, Texas, Ray wrote and recorded "Hey Paula",
#1 pop song of 1963, and toured
the world with Jill Jackson as "Paul and Paula."
Ray has also recorded many Gospel albums for Word Records and Tempo Records.
He has worked on the national staff of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes
for 13 years. Ray was truly the first contemporary Christian artist. He has
two children (Heidi & Mike) & four grandchildren who all live near
him in Overland Park, KS.
Paul Land
Born in Kansas
City, Missouri, Paul
is the fourth child of machinist and wife. In 1972, while a student at Mid-AmericaNazareneCollege,
Paul formed "Simple
Truth," one of the first contemporary Christian bands in the Midwest. During these early days of the Jesus movement,
Simple Truth traveled nationally and internationally, performing at colleges,
churches, fairs, festivals, etc., and shared the stage with Andrae Crouch,
Love Song, The Archers and many others including Ray Hildebrand. They have
recorded albums for Creative Sound, and Tempo Records. Paul and his wife Teresa
have three children, Sarah, Jesse, and Carson.
Reviews
What some of our kind hosts have
said about Land & Hildebrand
I certainly enjoyed being with you in Oklahoma
City. You have wonderful voices and a great sense
of humor. It's refreshing to see an act like yours that delivers a powerful
message in a humorous and effective way. This country needs more performers
like Land & Hildebrand.
Steve Largent
Member of U.S. Congress
State of Oklahoma
The duo of Land & Hildebrand form one of FCA's favorite and most dynamic
teams. They have had a tremendous impact on the lives of their audiences
thru music,humor, and a sharing of their faith and commitment to the Lord
Jesus Christ.
Dal Shealy
President/CEOFellowship
of Christian Athletes
Paul Land & Ray Hildebrand are a team whose songs are both humorous
and inspiring. The program that they presented at our company Christmas
party was received withgreat enthusiasm by our associates. Both the humor
and the substance were delivered with extreme quality and high energy.
JackRidge
Vice President & Co-Founder
Solomon Software, Inc.
Ohio
Homer's Coffee House has live Christian music over 100 nights a year,and
Land & Hildebrand is absolutely one of our all-time favorites. Last
time they were here it was standing-room only. They are a great gift from
God to the Christian community.
Jim Mathis
Homer's Coffee House
Overland Park, KS
Paul & Ray are two of my very favorite people. They are extremely entertaining
and wholesome family men, and they have demonstrated excellent taste in
music thru the years. By the way, did I mention that they have recorded
several of my songs?
C.W. "Buddy" Kalb, JR
Ray Stevens Music
Nashville, TN
Allow me to encourage you to have Paul & Ray minister to your people,
or entertain at your special event. You will not regret it. They help us
to laugh at ourselves, and to tear up at the thought of God's love for us.
We can't wait for God to send them our way once again.
Bruce Koczman
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel/Four Winds
Red Bank, NJ
As the guest entertainment for our 1999 Chamber Awards Banquet, the two
of you left our membership and audience not only in a state of hearty laughter,
but with a wonderful feeling of wealth and community. Your presentation
came highly recommended, and proved to be definitely good for the soul.
Great job, gentlemen!
Donna Posey
Director of Operations / Events
Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce
Texas
The home and visiting teams that I work with are always excited to hear
that Paul & Ray are going to be doing chapel for them. The unique and
humorous way that they share the truths of Scripture is very effective.
Mike Lusardi
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Team Chaplain for KC Royals
What a blessing it was to be with you all. You guys were outstanding.The
positive way that you interact with crowds of all ages is remarkable, and
the laughter you generate with your strong message of hope and love is extremely
encouraging.
Rod Handley
Founder & President
Character That Counts
Lee's Summit, MO
Land & Hildebrand provide excellent entertainment that is wholesome
and,at the same time, extremely funny. Their musical ability is top notch,
and they have the gift of taking you tastefully from the ridiculous to the
sublime in a matter of moments.
Barbara E. Olsen
CMPE
Kearney Orthopedic & Fracture Clinic
Nebraska
Thanks again for the great job you did on the campus at C of O. Reading
the comments that the students wrote confirmed that it was one of the most
highly evaluated convocations we have had...really excellent. Rest assured
that I'll be in touch with you in the future regarding a return trip. I
love you guys, and thanks.
Chuck Zehnder
Campus Pastor
College of the Ozarks
Pt. Lookout, MO
On behalf of our entire LCEF staff, I want to thank you once again for being
such an integral part of the success of our 2001 Fall Leadership Conference
in New Orleans. Your talent,
plus your open, friendly, humorous performance style, was perfect for our
conference. The many positive comments received confirm the value of your
particpation.
Glenn Mahnken
LutheranChurch
Extension Fund
St. Louis, MO
Comfortable in any setting, Paul & Ray offer a unique blend of the new
and old, truth mixed with humor, the prophetic dispensed in love, the spiritual
bathed in reality. Their easy-going style and genuine humility stand in
stark contrast to the cold professionalism so typical of this generation..
Tom Elliff
Pastor
1st Southern BaptistChurch of Del City
Oklahoma
Land & Hildebrand communicate timeless stories in a timely fashion.
Our students want them back.
Jerry Cain
President
JudsonCollege
Elgin, Illinois
Paul & Ray were not only good (which I expected), they were GREAT. Our
people kept coming to me saying "Why didn't you give them more time?"
When you have these guys, give them a whole bunch of time. If you don't,
you'll have an unhappy crowd. Next time I'll know better.
Jim Garlow
Senior Pastor
SkylineChurch
San Diego, Ca.
Pix
Here's
a pic of the guys hangin' with Taylor Guitar President, Bob Taylor.
Paul & Ray play Taylor Guitars exclusively.
P
& R with the world's greatest ventriloquist (in our very humble
opinion!), David Pendleton, wife Linda, and "Aunt Tilly".
P
& R with Chuck Swindoll at Christian Embassy Retreat, Wintergreen
Resort in Virginia.
Paul
& Ray with good buddy and nationally known comedian Dennis Swanberg.
P
& R with Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Vernon Clark and
wife Connie.
P
& R with David "Good Morning America" Hartman and
wife Mary at Military Ministries Vision Weekend.
Paul & Ray with Tony Dungy, the head coach of the Indianapolis
Colts.
Tony
Dungy and Mike White, of the West Virginia Fellowship of Christian
Athletes, enjoying peanuts on a donated corporate jet flight with
an "unaffected" P & R. (There will be no livin' with
'em now!)
