Billy Paul

Billy Paul was born Paul Williams in Philadelphia in 1934. He grew up in a religious household where gospel music was part of the fabric, and as a teenager he absorbed the sounds of soul singers like Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye. His professional career began in the early 1960s when he signed with Philadelphia International Records, though it took some time before his music found its audience.

In 1972, Paul released "Me and Mrs. Jones," a song about a married man's affair that became an unexpected hit. The song's frank lyrics about infidelity drew some criticism, but Paul maintained it reflected a reality many people recognized.

Beyond that signature hit, Paul recorded songs like "You're My Sweetness," "Only The Strong Survive," and "July, July, July, July." He continued making music through the 1970s and 1980s, though nothing ever quite matched the cultural impact of "Me and Mrs. Jones."