Billy Paul
Billy Paul, born as Paul Williams on December 1, 1934, in North Philadelphia, was a prominent American soul singer renowned for his contributions to the Philadelphia Soul Sound. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, he began his musical journey at the tender age of twelve, influenced by a neighborhood friend who introduced him to singing and performance opportunities.
He gained widespread fame in 1972 with his iconic single "Me and Mrs. Jones," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts. This song solidified his status as a major figure in the music industry and showcased his smooth, emotive vocal style. The success of this single was followed by his 1973 album "War of the Gods," which further exemplified his artistic range and depth.
Billy Paul's music was significantly influenced by producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who played crucial roles in the development of the "Philly sound," a blend of soul and R&B with lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics. His collaboration with these producers helped shape the sound of the 1970s.
Throughout his career, Paul earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award, which acknowledged his talent and contributions to the music world. His work continued to resonate with audiences, and he remained an influential figure in soul music until his passing.
Billy Paul passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy marked by his soulful melodies and impactful storytelling through music.
Ebony Woman
Written-By – Morris Bailey 3:52
A2 Mrs. Robinson
Written-By – P. Simon 4:31
A3 The Windmills Of Your Mind
Written-By – Marilyn & Alan Bergman, M. Legrand 8:00
A4 Everyday People
Written-By – Sylvester Stewart 3:55
B1 Let's Fall In Love All Over
Written-By – Robert Martin 3:51
B2 Windy
Written-By – Ruthann Friedman 2:50
B3 Psychedelic Sally
Written-By – Horace Silver 2:58
B4 Traces
Written-By – Buie, Cobb 4:01
B5 Proud Mary
Written-By – John C. Fogerty 2:23
Label: Neptune Records – NLPS-201
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Jazz, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Soul-Jazz
Billy Paul's Ebony Woman (1970) is praised as a unique showcase of his versatile voice, blending soul, jazz, and reimagined popular covers ("Mrs. Robinson," "Everyday People") with early Philly Soul production by Gamble & Huff, marking a strong, albeit often overlooked, precursor to his later mega-hit 360 Degrees of Billy Paul, highlighting his artistic depth beyond just "Me & Mrs. Jones".
An early Gamble & Huff production, it foreshadowed the iconic Philadelphia Sound with smooth arrangements, elegant strings, and solid rhythm sections.
Paul proves his unique ability to adapt his gravelly voice to diverse material, from upbeat funk ("Proud Mary") to poignant ballads.
He radically reimagines hits by Simon & Garfunkel, Sly & the Family Stone, and CCR, transforming them with his soulful interpretation and rich production.
While not a massive hit initially, it demonstrated the vocal and artistic depth that would define his later success, especially on the massively popular 360 Degrees of Billy Paul.
Modern listeners and critics celebrate expanded reissues (like BBR's) for making this "must-have" album accessible, featuring great sound and interviews.
Many consider it a cornerstone album, revealing Paul's brilliance before his crossover fame, with some calling it a "masterpiece".
In essence, Ebony Woman is a soulful, imaginative journey through 1970s pop culture, showcasing Billy Paul as a profound interpreter and a pivotal figure in soul music's evolution, making it essential listening for fans of the genre.
War Of The Gods
Written-By – B. Sigler, K. Gamble, L. Huff 6:13
A2 War Of The Gods
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 10:07
B1 The Whole Town's Talking
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 4:46
B2 I Was Married
Written-By – C. Gilbert, J. Arc, K. Gamble, L. Huff 7:19
B3 Thanks For Saving My Life
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 2:58
B4 Peace Holy Peace
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 6:53
Label: Philadelphia International Records – KZ 32409
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly Soul
Billy Paul's 1973 album War of the Gods is a highly regarded work of psychedelic and Philly soul, praised for its ambitious themes, versatile musicianship, and powerful vocals. Critics and fans view it as a standout, if underappreciated, record of its era.
The album was a commercial success, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Soul chart and number 110 on the pop chart. It is often considered Billy Paul's response to the socially conscious music themes of Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, exploring concepts of faith, war, and love.
The album is noted for its exploration of deep, quasi-spiritual themes, a departure from Paul's previous work. Produced by the legendary duo Gamble and Huff and arranged by Bobby Martin and Lenny Pakula, the album showcases the polished and sophisticated "Philly Sound".
The versatile house band M.F.S.B. provides a dynamic backdrop that seamlessly shifts between soul, jazz, funk, and rock influences.
Paul's performance is consistently described as powerful, emotive, and impassioned, utilizing his unique, jazz-tinged vocal style effectively across the six extended tracks.
While the single "Thanks for Saving My Life" was a top 40 hit, other tracks like the title suite "War of the Gods" (a ten-minute "magnus opus"), "The Whole Town's Talking", and "Peace Holy Peace" are often highlighted as album favorites.
Overall, War of the Gods is considered a deeply rewarding listen, praised for its artistic depth and a true "masterpiece album from start to finish" by many fans.