"Hey Paula"
Historical marker location:It is estimated that the song “Hey Paula” has been played almost every day somewhere in the world since it was recorded in the fall of 1962. The song and its performers, Paul and Paula, exhibited the “Universal Lovers” image and theme that was successful in the mid-1960s. Dubbed the “Sweethearts of the ’60s,” the two entertainers, Raymond (Paul) Hildebrand and Jill (Paula) Jackson, were both native Texans who met while attending Howard Payne College in Brownwood in the fall of 1962.
Raymond Glenn Hildebrand was born on November 21, 1940, in Joshua. He graduated from Harlingen high school and received a basketball scholarship to Navarro Junior College in Corsicana. Soon, he was recruited to play for Howard Payne College. In 1962, as a Howard Payne student, Hildebrand rented a room from the Nettleship family, Jill’s aunt and uncle. Jill, born May 20, 1942, in McCamey, was a sophomore at Howard Payne that fall.
Ray and Jill performed with a local folk group called The Prisoners, and both musicians recorded songs for local radio station KEAN. When Ray played a song for Jill and her mother that he wrote the previous summer about a friend and his girlfriend, they knew it would be a hit. The duo drove to Fort Worth to record the song at Clifford Herring recording studio, in the basement of Radio Station KFJZ. A few weeks later, the song was a smash hit, selling 16,000 copies in one day. The record went on to sell almost two million copies and spent three weeks at #1 on the billboard pop chart in 1963. The song also reached #1 in other countries including Japan, England and Canada. Ray and Jill began a series of television appearances and touring musical shows, and some credit this pairing for inspiring other famous male/female musical duos
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
The county was officially established on August 27, 1856, and was named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a commander during the Texas Revolution. During the mid-19th century, the area experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1885 significantly boosted the local economy, leading to a population increase and new opportunities for trade.
Throughout its history, Brown County has been primarily agricultural-based, with cotton being a major crop during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s also brought prosperity to the region. As the county developed, schools, churches, and other infrastructure were established, contributing to the growth and overall wellbeing of the community.
Brown County has faced its fair share of challenges as well. Like many other areas in Texas, it struggled during the Great Depression, but gradually recovered with the help of various New Deal programs. In recent years, the county has focused on diversifying its economy, with industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing becoming more prominent.
Today, Brown County maintains its historical charm and offers a mix of rural landscapes and urban conveniences. It continues to preserve its heritage through various cultural events and historical sites, including the Brown County Museum of History. As the county moves forward, it strives to balance growth with its strong sense of community and appreciation for its past.
Brown County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Brown County, Texas.
- 1800s: Brown County was initially inhabited by Comanche and Kiowa Native American tribes.
- 1849: The County was originally established by the Texas Legislature and named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a Republic of Texas militia major killed at the Battle of Velasco during the Texas Revolution.
- 1856: The first permanent settlement was established in the county, known as Brownwood, named after Henry Stevenson Brown.
- 1867: The county was officially organized, and Brownwood became the county seat.
- 1885: The arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in Brownwood facilitated growth and development in the county.
- 1903: Howard Payne College, now known as Howard Payne University, was founded in Brownwood.
- Early 1900s: Cotton and livestock farming were the primary economic activities in Brown County.
- 1930s: The Great Depression deeply impacted the county's economy, leading to a decline in population and prosperity.
- 1950s: The discovery of oil and gas reserves brought an economic boom to Brown County.
- 1970: Lake Brownwood was constructed as a recreational reservoir in the county.
- 1997: The expansion of Howard Payne University included the renovation and construction of various campus facilities.