Billy Paul has died aged 81. According to the soul singer's website, he "passed away today [April 24] at home after a serious medical condition". According to Associated Press, Paul died at his home in Blackwood, New Jersey. He had recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Paul was born Pau...
Billy Paul has died aged 81.
According to the soul singer’s website, he “passed away today [April 24] at home after a serious medical condition”.
According to Associated Press, Paul died at his home in Blackwood, New Jersey. He had recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Paul was born Paul Williams in Philadelphia on December 1, 1934. He found success with the Gamble and Huff team, whose Philadelphia International Records also released music by the O’Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes and Lou Rawls.
His biggest hit was the 1972 single “Me And Mrs Jones“, which was an American No 1 and reached number 12 in the UK. The song also won a Grammy.
Paul’s voice made him “one of the great artists to come out of Philly and to be celebrated worldwide,” Gamble and Huff said in a statement.
“Our proudest moment with Billy was the recording of the salacious smash ‘Me and Mrs. Jones.’ In our view, it is one of the greatest love songs ever recorded,” they said.
RIP Billy Paul. Love and condolences to his beloved wife, Blanche. pic.twitter.com/mYDHAQodTL
— MARTHA REEVES (@MARTHAREEVESvan) April 25, 2016
can't forget this from Billy Paul… https://t.co/8KrC5Sxfc3
— Gilles Peterson (@gillespeterson) April 25, 2016
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