(Photo By Flickr User Chuck Miller)

Soul singer & Philadelphia, PA native Billy Paul, best known for his hit song “Me and Mrs. Jones,”  has died.

According to nbcphiladelphia.com (WCAU-TV), Billy Paul (a/k/a Paul Williams) was born on December 1, 1934 in Philadelphia, PA, Paul began his music career at the age of 11 when he appeared on local radio station (WPEN-AM, now WDKN-AM). He also attended the West Philadelphia Music School and the Granoff School of Music where he received his vocal training.

Paul gained his greatest success when he released his 1972 single “Me and Mrs. Jones,” which was written and produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The song was the number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B singles chart and received a Grammy Award. The song also received newfound attention decades later when singer Michael Buble released a cover version in 2007.

Gamble and Huff released a statement on Paul’s death:

“We are very saddened to learn of the sudden death of our good friend and Philadelphia International Records recording artist Billy Paul. From the time we saw Billy performing live, and then signing him to our PIR/TSOP  (Philadelphia International Records/ The Sound Of Philadelphia) label, we immediately realized that we had discovered and launched one the most unique voices in the music industry. Billy’s voice combined both Jazz, R&B, and Soul vocals, making him one the great artists to come out of Philly and to be celebrated worldwide. Our proudest moment with Billy was the recording of the salacious smash ‘Me and Mrs. Jones.’ In our view, it is one of the greatest love songs ever recorded. Billy was one of the first artists to help launch the PIR/TSOP brand, and he will forever have a special place in music history.”

“We send our very sincere and personal condolences to his wife Blanche and the rest of his family. Billy Paul will truly be missed.”

Philly Soul Singer, Billy Paul (Paul Williams), dead at the age of 81.