For the British saxophonist also named Billy Paul, see the Wizzo Band.

Billy Paul (born Paul Williams; December 1, 1934) is a Grammy Award winning American soul singer, most known for his 1972 number-one single, "Me and Mrs. Jones" as well as the 1973 album and single "War of the Gods" which blends his more conventional pop, soul and funk styles with electronic and psychedelic influences. He is usually identified by his diverse vocal style which ranges from mellow and soulful to low and raspy.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Paul began his singing career when he was twelve, appearing on local radio shows. Listening at home to his family's collection of 78s, Paul began developing a vocal style that would eventually incorporate traces of jazz, R&B and pop.

Paul attended Temple University, West Philadelphia Music School, and Granoff School of Music, for formal vocal training. Switching from rock music to soul to pop ballads, he soon became known through his performances on the underground musical circuit in Philadelphia. Paul's popularity grew and led to appearances in clubs and at college campuses nationally. This led to further opportunities, appearing in concert with Charlie Parker, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone, Miles Davis, The Impressions, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Roberta Flack.

Paul formed a trio and cut his first record, "Why Am I" for Jubilee Records before being drafted into the Armed Services. After his discharge, he joined the New Dawn record label, and was a brief stand in for one of the Blue Notes with Harold Melvin. His first Philly album, Feeling Good at the Cadillac Club combined Billy Paul and Gamble/Huff produced songs, and was released on the Gamble Label. This was followed by Ebony Woman, a more commercial release on the Gamble & Huff Neptune Label.

Later still, Going East, Paul's first album released on the Philadelphia International Records label, placed him into the mainstream arena. However, it was with his second album that he received both commercial and critical recognition, 360 Degrees Of Billy Paul, with "Me and Mrs. Jones" being the most notable track.

"Me and Mrs. Jones" was a No. 1 hit for the last three weeks of 1972, selling two million copies (platinum single status), and went on to win Paul a Grammy Award. The gold album and platinum single broke the artist on world charts, including the United Kingdom where the single entered the Top 20 of the UK Singles Chart reaching number 12 in early 1973. In the years since then, the song has been covered numerous times, most notably by Freddie Jackson in 1992.

In addition to receiving the Grammy, Paul has won several Ebby awards (given by the readers of Ebony Magazine); has been the recipient at the American Music Awards, the NAACP Image Award and numerous proclamations and keys to cities across the United States. He has also toured internationally in the UK, and Latin America.

Paul was on the Neptune Records label for many years. He recorded much other material of note, including "Am I Black Enough For You?", "Let's Make a Baby" and an alternate version of "Let's Stay Together". Other songs he recorded include "Thanks for Saving My Life", "Let 'Em In", "Your Song", "Only the Strong Survive" and "Bring the Family Back".

Albums

• 1971 Going East (Philadelphia International KZ 30580)
• 1972 360 Degrees Of Billy Paul (Philadelphia International KZ 31793)
• 1973 Ebony Woman (Philadelphia International KZ 32118 - reissue of Neptune NLPS 202 )
• 1973 Feelin' Good At The Cadillac Club (Philadelphia International KZ 32119)
• 1973 War Of The Gods (Philadelphia International KZ 32409)
• 1974 Live In Europe (Philadelphia International KZ 32952)
• 1975 Got My Head On Straight (Philadelphia International KZ 33157)
• 1975 When Love Is New (Philadelphia International KZ 33843)
• 1976 Let 'Em In (Philadelphia International KZ 34389)
• 1977 Only The Strong Survive (Philadelphia International KZ 34923)
• 1979 First Class (Philadelphia International KZ 35756)
• 1980 Best Of Billy Paul (Philadelphia International Z 2-36314)