Billy Paul

Billy Paul in 2012

Billy Paul (Paul Williams; December 1, 1934 – April 24, 2016) was an American R&B singer, songwriter and record producer. His biggest hit was "Me and Mrs. Jones". He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Paul died on the afternoon of April 24, 2016 in Blackwood, New Jersey after suffering from pancreatic cancer at the age of 81.

Billy Paul Media

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  Billy Paul was heavily influenced by jazz vocalist Billie Holiday.

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  Billy Paul served with Elvis Presley and a number of other musicians in post-World War II Germany.

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  Billy Paul cited the Beatles as the key influence on his musical growth from jazz to other musical genres.

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  Music executive Clive Davis has consistently praised Paul's recording of "Am I Black Enough for You?".

• Paul was twice embroiled in controversy with Reverend Jesse Jackson, over the content of his songs

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  Billy Paul paid homage to fallen civil rights leaders including Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X in his version of Paul McCartney's 1976 hit "Let 'Em In".

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  Billy Paul regularly played live around the world including this 2006 concert at the Carthage Palace Hotel in Tunis, Tunisia.

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  Olympic athlete Marion Jones was featured in the Nike television commercial that used Billy Paul's "Me and Mrs. Jones" song without his consent.

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  The O'Jays were among the artists who benefited from the precedent set by Billy Paul's lawsuit for unpaid royalties.