Billy Paul | |
|---|---|
 Paul in 2012 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Paul Williams |
| Born | December 1, 1934 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | April 24, 2016 (aged 81) Blackwood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1952–2016 |
| Website | billyp7 |
Paul Williams (December 1, 1934 – April 24, 2016),[1] known professionally as Billy Paul, was an American soul singer, known for his 1972 No. 1 single "Me and Mrs. Jones". His 1973 album and single War of the Gods blends his more conventional pop, soul, and funk styles with electronic and psychedelic influences.
He was one of the many artists associated with the Philadelphia soul sound created by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell. Paul was identified by his diverse vocal style, which ranged from mellow and soulful to low and raspy. Questlove of the Roots equated Paul with Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, calling him "one of the criminally unmentioned proprietors of socially conscious post-revolution '60s civil rights music."