Billy Paul
Web Sites:
Official Web Site
Biography
Philadelphia-born singer Billy Paul has been successfully performing for nearly 50 years, but is principally known for a single hit, 1972's huge, controversial smash "Me and Mrs. Jones."
Paul grew up in Philadelphia in a household where jazz ruled. He attended Temple University and Granoff Music School, and soon after was performing locally, covering virtually all types of popular music to growing crowds. By the late 50s he was appearing with Jazz and Pop stars such as Charlie Parker and Nancy Wilson and cut his first record, "Why Am I," for Jubilee Records. He later teamed with upstart record executive Kenny Gamble for the live jazz album, Feeling Good At The Cadillac Club and the more soulful Ebony Woman.
Things broke out for Paul, though, when he signed to Gamble & Huff's new Philadelphia International Records and recorded 1972's 360 Degrees Of Billy Paul. The disc's high point, "Me and Mrs. Jones," was beyond huge, hitting number one and becoming a Grammy winner and one of the year's biggest hits. Despite the stark lyrical theme of continuing adultery, audiences were drawn to the irresistible bass line and to Paul's right-on vocals. And while Billy Paul never matched the success of that hit, he continued to churn out successful music for the rest of the decade, landing a sizeable hit with "Thanks for Saving My Life" and placing a half dozen top 20 R&B albums.
Paul moved from label to label in the 80s and 90s with limited success, but was a consistently popular concert draw. He formed Billy Paul Management and Production and began working with other Philadelphia-based artists. He also continues to perform around the world to this day.
By Chris Rizik
BILLY PAUL
<p>Chimène Badi & Billy Paul - Ain't No Mountain High Enough from Louis de Caunes on Vimeo.</p>