Billy Paul Is Dead

ORIGIN
Billy Paul was an American soul singer best known for the Grammy Award winning single “Me and Mrs. Jones”. He was born Paul Williams on December 1, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He would later adopt the name ‘Billy Paul’ to avoid confusion with existing singers and songwriters. Paul was exposed to music at an early age. His early influence include female artists like Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Carmen McRae.

Paul was an alumnus of West Philadelphia Music School. He also took voice lessons at the Granoff School of Music. He was featured on the local Philadelphia radio station WPEN at the age of 11. Paul’s first singles “Why Am I” and “That’s Why I Dream” were released by Jubilee Records in 1952. His career was put on hold after he was drafted into the Armed Services in 1957. He was stationed at the same base in Germany as musician, Elvis Presley.

CAREER
Paul was signed to Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Gamble Records in 1968. His debut studio album, Feelin’ Good at the Cadillac Club, was released that same year. After two failed attempt, Gamble and Huff founded Philadelphia International Records in 1971. Paul released several of his albums on the label. These included Going East (1971), 360 Degrees of Billy Paul (1972), War of the Gods (1973), and When Love Is New (1975). His 1972 hit “Me and Mrs. Jones” earned him a Grammy for best rhythm n’ blues performance.

PERSONAL
Billy Paul died on April 24, 2016 at the age of 81. His reported cause of death was pancreatic cancer. He passed away at his home in Blackwood, New Jersey. Paul was married to ‘Blanche’ from 1967 until his death. He’s survived by his wife and two children.

Billy Paul Bio, Net Worth, Height