Billy Paul

Born: Dec 1, 1935 in Philadelphia, PA

Billy Paul had a good run in the '70s as an R&B vocalist, though he'd been recording since the '50s, when he debuted on Jubilee. Paul was featured on radio broadcasts in Philadelphia at age 11 and had an extensive jazz background. He worked with Dinah Washington, Miles Davis, and Roberta Flack, as well as Charlie Parker, before forming a trio and recording for Jubilee. His original 1959 recording of "Ebony Woman" for New Dawn was later re-recorded for Neptune as the title of his 1970 LP. He signed the next year with Philadelphia International and scored his biggest hit with "Me & Mrs. Jones" in 1972, topping both the R&B and pop charts. Paul had one other Top Ten R&B single, "Thanks for Saving My Life," in 1974. He remained on Philadelphia International until the mid-'80s. Paul recorded one LP for Total Experience in 1985, Lately, and another for Ichiban before announcing his retirement in 1989 in London. But he's since done several club dates, both in America and overseas.

Discography:

Albums:
1970 Ebony Woman
1971 Going East
1972 360 Degrees of Billy Paul
1973 Feelin' Good at the Cadillac Club [live]
1973 War of the Gods
1974 Billy Paul Live in Europe
1975 Got My Head on Straight
1975 When Love Is New
1976 Let 'Em In
1977 Only the Strong Survive
1979 First Class
1985 Lately
1988 Wide Open
2000 Live: World Tour
2002 Your Songs
2005 Live in Paris