Billy Paul, born Paul Williams on December 1, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a Grammy Award-winning soul singer whose expressive voice and jazz-influenced style resonated with audiences worldwide. He is best known for his 1972 classic hit "Me and Mrs. Jones," which highlighted his sophisticated phrasing and emotive delivery, capturing the complexities of an extramarital affair. This song not only topped the charts but also became a defining moment in the soul genre and secured Paul's place in music history.

Throughout the 1970s, Billy Paul was a prominent figure in the Philadelphia soul scene, closely associated with the legendary songwriting and production team of Gamble and Huff. Paul's career spanned several decades, with albums such as "First Class," "Only The Strong Survive," "Let 'Em In," "When Love Is New," and "Got My Head On Straight" showcasing his versatility as an artist. Known for his socially-conscious tracks as well as his romantic ballads, Paul's sound was a blend of R&B, jazz, and pop elements. His legacy is not just in studio recordings but also in powerful live performances, as captured in "T.S.O.P. The Sound of Philadelphia (Live in Concert)." Even as his music has been revisited and remixed for new generations, with releases like "Me and Mrs. Jones (1895 Jazz Remix)," his timeless appeal endures. Billy Paul passed away on April 24, 2016, but left behind a rich catalogue that continues to inspire reverence among soul aficionados.

Genres

Classic Soul

Disco

Motown

Philly Soul

Quiet Storm

Soul

Southern Soul

Related Artists

Marvin Gaye

Teddy Pendergrass

Al Green

The O'Jays

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

The Stylistics

Barry White

Lou Rawls

The Delfonics

The Spinners

Smokey Robinson

Stevie Wonder

Latest Release

Me And Mrs. Jones (Re-Recorded) [Sped Up] - Single

Billy Paul

Ep - 4 Tracks - Released May 31, 2023