Paul Laurence facts for kids

Paul Laurence (born Paul Lawrence Jones III in 1958) is a talented American musician. He is famous for writing and producing many hit songs. Paul also plays the keyboards. He has helped create many number one R&B (Rhythm and Blues) songs for other artists.

Some of his biggest hits include "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)" and "Jam Tonight" for Freddie Jackson. He also worked on "(You're Putting) A Rush on Me" for Stephanie Mills and "Do Me Baby" for Meli'sa Morgan. Paul also contributed to hits like "I'm in Love" and "Love Come Down" for Evelyn King.

Paul Laurence's Music Journey

Starting in Harlem

Paul Laurence grew up in Harlem, New York City. He went to school and church with Freddie Jackson in the 1970s. They met at the White Rock Baptist Church. Paul learned to play the piano from Valerie Simpson. She was part of the famous songwriting team Ashford & Simpson.

Paul started his own music group called the Laurence Jones Ensemble. Freddie Jackson was also in this group. They performed in clubs around New York. In the 1980s, both Paul and Freddie worked for Hush Productions. This was a music company run by Beau Higgins.

Creating Hits for Other Artists

Paul wrote several songs for Melba Moore, who was also with Hush Productions. These songs included "Love's Comin' at Ya" and "I'm Not Gonna Let You Go." Freddie Jackson often sang background vocals for Melba Moore. He also sang on Paul's song demos.

In 1985, Freddie Jackson signed a record deal with Hush Productions. He began recording his first album. Paul wrote a special song for Freddie called "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)." Paul played keyboards and programmed the drums for this song.

Big Success with Freddie Jackson

Beau Higgins helped Freddie Jackson get a record deal with Capitol Records. Paul produced and wrote "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)." This song became a huge hit. It was number one on the R&B charts for six weeks in 1985. The album, also called Rock Me Tonight, sold over a million copies. It reached number one on the R&B charts and number ten on the pop charts.

Paul also produced a cover of Prince's song "Do Me Baby" for Meli'sa Morgan. This song became number one on the R&B charts for three weeks in early 1986. Paul co-wrote "Tasty Love" with Freddie Jackson. This song was number one on the R&B charts for four weeks in late 1986.

Other big hits Paul wrote or produced for Freddie Jackson include "Jam Tonight" and "Hey Lover." "Jam Tonight" became a popular dance song. "Do Me Again" was another number one R&B hit in 1991. Paul's work helped Freddie Jackson have many successful songs and albums.

Working with Stephanie Mills

Paul also worked with the famous singer Stephanie Mills. She was a Broadway star before becoming a hit recording artist. Paul produced and co-wrote the song "(You're Putting) A Rush on Me" for her. This song gave Stephanie Mills her third number one R&B hit in 1987. The song was part of her gold album If I Were Your Woman.

Paul Becomes a Recording Artist

Because of his success, Paul Laurence got the chance to release his own music. He signed with Capitol Records. His first album, Haven't You Heard, came out in late 1985. The first song from the album, "She's Not a Sleaze," featured Freddie Jackson and Lillo Thomas. It reached number 50 on the R&B charts.

Paul also contributed music to movies. He worked on the soundtrack for the 1990 horror film Def by Temptation. He also contributed to the soundtrack for Spike Lee's movie Do the Right Thing.

Paul Laurence's Albums and Songs

Studio Albums

Singles