Hilary Weeks
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Early Life
Raised in Alaska, Weeks grew up carefree and introspective. The forests, streams, and inlets of her Anchorage home offered a wealth of opportunities for not only exploring, but quiet reflection as well.
“Growing up I spent a lot of time in the forest next to our house,” she says. “It overlooked the ocean and often I would see whales out in the distance. It is still one of my favorite places on Earth. I could go there to be alone and think and pray and try to figure out life. It was my own secret spot where I could commune with Heaven.”
Such communion has always been a guiding theme in Weeks’ life - and music. After finishing her first song at the age of 14, she found her favorite topics to write about were those devoted to the Gospel. But becoming a bestselling, inspirational singer/songwriter was never something she planned.
“If someone had told me after I wrote my first song, that I would someday release six CDs I wouldn’t have believed them,” she says. “And if they had told me that I would sing those songs in front of thousands of people, I would have run. I never had dreams or plans of becoming a singer or songwriter. I just liked music. I loved it. It was just that simple.”
Career
But one simple thing led to another, and her song “He Hears Me” was recorded on the 1993 Especially for Youth album. Three years later Weeks released her solo debut, He Hears Me, for which she was awarded Inspirational Album of the Year by the Faith Centered Music Association. Her second album, Lead Me Home, followed in 1999. And in 2000, Weeks received Pearl Awards for Inspirational Album of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.
Her third album, I Will Not Forget, was released in 2001 and broke the sales records from her previous two albums. In 2002 she released Christmastime, an album featuring holiday favorites as well as original songs. And in 2004 she released Day of Praise, an invigorating album filled with heartfelt inspiration. She has also released The Hilary Weeks Songbook, a collection of sheet music for the most popular songs from her first two albums.
In addition to her solo releases, Weeks has been featured on an extensive list of compilation albums and has been the recipient of numerous awards, but for every achievement, she credits the great love of Jesus Christ. And in spite of all the accolades and success, her most beloved moments are those spent with her family.
“I love being with my family,” Weeks (a self-described “homebody”) says. “They are the best thing in my life. I have just been so incredibly blessed. And in addition to a happy, healthy family, somehow, through encouragement of wonderful friends, support of a loving family, and guidance from a patient Heavenly Father my road has also taken me on an incredible musical journey.”
And it is a journey that continues with the 2007 release of Hilary Weeks: The Collection. Filled with 14 of her most beloved songs from the past 15 years (plus three new originals!), The Collection embodies everything upon which Weeks' career has been built: love for God, love for family, love for friends, and love for life.
In 2011, Weeks' collected quotes, recipes and tidbits from her family life for her book "Bedtime and Naptime...and Bedtime and Naptime: The Simple Joys of a Mom's Life." It was released on April 6 at Deseret Book.
Weeks, her husband, Tim, and their four daughters live in Utah.
