Billy Paul facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Billy Paul Concert Tunis Avril 2006
Billy Paul in concert.

Billy Paul (Paul Williams; December 1, 1934 – April 24, 2016) was an American R&B singer. 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.

Images for kids

  • Billie Holiday, Downbeat, New York, N.Y., ca. Feb. 1947 (William P. Gottlieb 04251)

    Billy Paul was heavily influenced by female jazz vocalists, perhaps none more than Billie Holiday.

  • Elvis sworn into army 1958

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

  • The Beatles in America

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

  • Clive Davis

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

  • THE REV. JESSE JACKSON SPEAKS ON A RADIO BROADCAST FROM THE HEADQUARTERS OF OPERATION PUSH AT ITS ANNUAL CONVENTION.... - NARA - 556253

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

  • MLK and Malcolm X USNWR cropped

    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".

  • HOLY ANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH ON CHICAGO'S SOUTH SIDE. IT IS THE CITY'S LARGEST BLACK CATHOLIC CHURCH. THE PASTOR IS... - NARA - 556237

    Reverend George Clements (left) honored Billy Paul for the song "Let 'Em In."

  • Marion Jones Sydney 2000

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

  • The O'Jays-photo-by-raymond-boyd

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


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