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Billy Paul (1934 – 2016)

by Legacy Staff

Billy Paul, a Grammy Award-winning R&B and jazz singer known best for his 1972 No. 1 hit song “Me and Mrs. Jones,” died April 24, according to multiple news sources, including The Associated Press. Paul was 81. Paul died at his home in Blackwood, New Jersey, according to the AP, citing information it received from Paul’s co-manager, Beverly Gay. “We regret to announce with a heavy heart that Billy has passed away today at home after a serious medical condition,” a statement on Paul’s site read. “We would like to extend our most sincere condolences to his wife Blanche and family for their loss, as they and the world grieves the loss of another musical icon that helped pioneered todays R&B music. Billy will be truly missed.” Paul’s manager told Philadelphia’s NBC affiliate that the singer had been hospitalized last week after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Billy Paul, a Grammy Award-winning R&B and jazz singer known best for his 1972 No. 1 hit song “Me and Mrs. Jones,” died April 24, according to multiple news sources, including The Associated Press. Paul was 81.

Paul died at his home in Blackwood, New Jersey, according to the AP, citing information it received from Paul’s co-manager, Beverly Gay.

“We regret to announce with a heavy heart that Billy has passed away today at home after a serious medical condition,” a statement on Paul’s site read. “We would like to extend our most sincere condolences to his wife Blanche and family for their loss, as they and the world grieves the loss of another musical icon that helped pioneered todays R&B music. Billy will be truly missed.”

Paul’s manager told Philadelphia’s NBC affiliate that the singer had been hospitalized last week after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.


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Born Dec. 1, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Paul received his education from Temple University. He was among the artists associated with the Philly soul sound that was a hallmark of the team of Gamble and Huff – Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.

Paul won the Grammy for “Me and Mrs. Jones,” which was his biggest hit.

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