Musician. He will be remembered for the Grammy Award-winning (Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Male), gold record "Me and Mrs. Jones" (1972). Born Paul Williams, he was raised in North Philadelphia. He developed a fondness for music after listening to his father's record collection during his youth and acquired experience performing on local radio programs. He was educated at Temple University and received his vocal training at West Philadelphia Music School and Granoff School of Music, prior to launching his singing career on the club circuit. Paul shared the stage with such Jazz legends as Charlie 'Bird' Parker and Miles Davis. He recorded his first single "Why Am I" (1952) with the Jubilee label and following service with the United States Military, he performed briefly with an early lineup of "Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes." Paul would go on to a solo career and experienced a change in fortune, when he met and came under the guidance of legendary producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, which led to his first album "Feeling Good at the Cadillac Club" (1968). His 1972 album "360 Degrees of Billy Paul" included the number one hit "Me and Mrs. Jones" and the controversial single "Am I Black Enough For You?" At the height of his popularity, he performed on the TV program "Soul Train." His following project "War of the Gods" (1973) expanded on his musical repertoire with a strong emphasis on psychedelic and soul. The album contained the Top-40 hit "Thanks for Saving My Life." He went on to record several more albums during the 1970s and 1980s. He died from cancer.
Musician. He will be remembered for the Grammy Award-winning (Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Male), gold record "Me and Mrs. Jones" (1972). Born Paul Williams, he was raised in North Philadelphia. He developed a fondness for music after listening to his father's record collection during his youth and acquired experience performing on local radio programs. He was educated at Temple University and received his vocal training at West Philadelphia Music School and Granoff School of Music, prior to launching his singing career on the club circuit. Paul shared the stage with such Jazz legends as Charlie 'Bird' Parker and Miles Davis. He recorded his first single "Why Am I" (1952) with the Jubilee label and following service with the United States Military, he performed briefly with an early lineup of "Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes." Paul would go on to a solo career and experienced a change in fortune, when he met and came under the guidance of legendary producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, which led to his first album "Feeling Good at the Cadillac Club" (1968). His 1972 album "360 Degrees of Billy Paul" included the number one hit "Me and Mrs. Jones" and the controversial single "Am I Black Enough For You?" At the height of his popularity, he performed on the TV program "Soul Train." His following project "War of the Gods" (1973) expanded on his musical repertoire with a strong emphasis on psychedelic and soul. The album contained the Top-40 hit "Thanks for Saving My Life." He went on to record several more albums during the 1970s and 1980s. He died from cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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