Ep 6. Billy Paul

In season 16 episode 6 of UnSung, we take a deep dive into the life and career of Billy Paul, a soul singer who had a string of hits in the 1970s. Born in Philadelphia in 1934, Billy grew up in a musical family and began his career when he was just a teenager. He started out playing in local clubs and was eventually discovered by the jazz pianist and bandleader, Dave Baker.

Billy's big break came in 1972 with the release of his single "Me and Mrs. Jones," which became a huge hit and went on to win a Grammy Award. The song was an instant classic, with its smooth vocals, lush orchestration, and memorable hook: "We got a thing going on." Billy's distinctive style and incomparable voice quickly made him one of the most beloved artists of his generation.

In this episode of UnSung, we go behind the scenes with Billy and his family, friends, and colleagues to learn more about his life and legacy. We hear from his wife Blanche, who was his biggest supporter and confidante through the ups and downs of his career. We also hear from his sons, Billy Jr. and Warryn, who share their memories of growing up with a famous father and the impact he had on their lives.

Throughout the episode, we hear from many of the musicians and producers who worked with Billy over the years, including Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the legendary producers who helped shape the sound of Philadelphia soul. We learn about the recording sessions for "Me and Mrs. Jones" and other hits like "Thanks for Saving My Life" and "Let's Clean Up the Ghetto." We also hear about the challenges Billy faced in the music industry, including racism and discrimination, and how he persisted in spite of these obstacles.

Along the way, we get to see rare archival footage of Billy performing live and in the studio, as well as interviews with some of his biggest fans, including Stevie Wonder and Gamble and Huff themselves. We also learn about Billy's activism and his commitment to social justice, which was reflected in his music and his personal life.

Ultimately, UnSung's episode about Billy Paul is a celebration of a true musical icon and a reminder of the enduring power of soul music. Through his music and his life, Billy Paul touched millions of hearts and inspired countless artists, and his legacy lives on to this day.