Legendary soul singer Billy Paul, who achieved worldwide fame with his 1972 hit “Me and Mrs. Jones”, has died in New Jersey after a short battle with cancer, his manager says. He was 81 years old.
Manager Beverly Gay told local media that Paul, who was born as Paul Williams, died at his home in Blackwood, New Jersey, on Sunday. Paul had been hospitalized last week after being diagnosed with cancer.
“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,” his official website said. “Billy will be truly missed.”
Paul, whose career spanned decades, is best remembered for the 1972 song “Me and Mrs. Jones”, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks. The song also gained popularity outside the United States and was one of the most lauded soul songs ever.
Paul, who grew up in Philadelphia, won a Grammy Award for “Me and Mrs. Jones”
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