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Billy Paul: Biography, Facts and Career

Who is Billy Paul? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.

By the Pop Culture Files editorial team4 min read✓ Fact-checked
Billy Paul
PhillyCAM via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

Paul Williams (December 1, 1934 – April 24, 2016), 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."

Quick facts about Billy Paul

  • Full name: Billy Paul
  • Born: 1934-12-01
  • Nationality: United States
  • Known as: Musician
  • Wikidata ID: Q863212

Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Billy Paul?

Paul Williams (December 1, 1934 – April 24, 2016), known professionally as Billy Paul, was an American soul singer, known for his 1972 No.

What nationality is Billy Paul?

Billy Paul is United States.

When was Billy Paul born?

Billy Paul was born on 1934-12-01.

Sources

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