Ray Hart
1941 - 1988

"It is not possible to follow God and follow money. Sooner or later everyone chooses one or the other."

Ray Hart was born in Kinston, North Carolina, in 1941. He demonstrated his musical ability early, beginning his singing career at age five. He was a member of a number of gospel quartets before joining the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

His desire for further training led him to New York where he sang at the Metropolitan Opera. (He may be the only man in history to sing at both "Operas"!)

While he was rehearsing for a major part in the musical Brigadoon, he was convicted of his need for the Saviour and accepted Him. He dedicated his talents in music to the service of his new Master immediately.

He sang for Jack Wyrtzen and the Word of Life program and at numerous preachers' fellowships and meetings. In 1977 he joined Dr. Curtis Hutson in his nationwide evangelistic ministry. Dr. Hutson said, "Ray's desire to glorify Christ and win souls is unexcelled among gospel singers. In a recent service, a lady commented that Ray Hart was the only singer she had ever seen who went down during the invitation to lead souls to Christ."

Ray Hart struggled with epilepsy for years, but his death in 1988 was unexpected. He had sung "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me" in a service in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, on Friday night and went Home to Heaven during the night.