Introduction
“Hey Paula” isn’t just a catchy tune – it’s a piece of 1960s pop history. Originally titled “Paul and Paula,” the song was written by Ray Hildebrand, who performed it with Jill Jackson, his college friend. Their inspiration? An earlier hit, “Tall Paul” by Annette Funicello.
Believe it or not, “Hey Paula” almost never reached our ears. Hildebrand and Jackson debuted the song at a benefit concert, and the positive response spurred them to record it. However, their initial attempt wasn’t under the iconic “Paul & Paula” name. They recorded it as “Jill & Ray,” but fate intervened. A missed audition by another artist opened the door for them to record with legendary producer Major Bill Smith.
Released in 1963 on LeCam Records, the song initially struggled. However, it caught the ear of Shelby Singleton at Mercury Records. Singleton saw the potential and re-released the song on their Phillips subsidiary, with a key change: the duo became Paul & Paula. This simple switch proved magical. “Hey Paula” skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a number one hit and selling nearly two million copies in just a few months.
The song’s charm lies in its innocent sweetness. The lyrics express a young man’s eagerness to marry the girl of his dreams, Paula. Paula, in turn, reciprocates his feelings. The melody is light and airy, perfectly capturing the youthful enthusiasm of first love.
“Hey Paula” transcended mere chart success. It became a cultural phenomenon, a song that captured the spirit of a generation. It continues to be a beloved classic, a reminder of a simpler time when love songs were sincere and emotions ran high. So, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to sing along to this timeless tune – “Hey Paula!”
Video
https://youtu.be/ogYVuITwJOE?si=TaP5CQ8eHlORiMfz