Description

He’s Everything to Me is the gospel debut album by the American singer and songwriter Ray Hildebrand of of Paul & Paula fame, released on Word Records in 1967.

With his butch haircut and button-down sweater, Ray looks very much the ‘60s frat boy on this his first Christian LP. I find the album surprisingly entertaining, gentle folk/pop melodies shuffling along to a light bossa nova beat. Simple production measures highlighting acoustic and classical guitar, backed by crisp percussion, embellished here and there with flute, piano and soft-n-easy trumpet. Includes seven of Ray’s own songs, plus a few Kurt Kaiser and Ralph Carmichael standards. The latter’s «All My Life» takes on a cool loungy cocktail vibe, enhanced by deep breathy bass flute. And check out that groovy organ on «The Man». Shares common ground with the earliest Gene Cotton and John Fischer records. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Turn It Over To Jesus” – 2:16
A2. “It’s Jesus Coming For Me” – 2:22
A3. “It’s Free” – 2:13
A4. “Be Kind Tryin'” – 2:17
A5. “What This World Needs” – 2:40
A6. “All My Life” – 2:45

Side Two
B1. “He’s Everything To Me” – 2:38
B2. “Get To Doin'” – 2:09
B3. “The Man” – 2:21
B4. “I’m Free” – 2:26
B5. “Good News, Children Of God Never Die!” – 2:44
B6. “If I Live, Well Praise The Lord” – 2:30

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette (housed in a snap case) and 12-inch vinyl LP by Word Records.