Billy Paul had a very long and storied career. Though he started singing professionally at the age 11 in 1945 and made his first record in 1952, it wouldn't be until 1972 where soul fans really got to know much about him. It was that year he went to #1 on the pop charts with "Me And Mrs. Jones."
He could have continued working the formula that made the song a hit but just a year later, him along with his producers, the legendary Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, were seeking new sounds and approaches. Inspired by the turmoil that was going on around the world at the time the resulting album would be called War Of The Gods.
When asked about album's title track in 2012 Billy said "It's very spiritual, and it tells people about war. Me and Marvin Gaye were tight and he did "What's Going On." I said to him I have to do my version and I went for it. Things that had happened in my life had affected me, and I wanted to tell the world how important it was, how important people were and most importantly how important God was. If anything the song is even more important and relevant today. A lot of my songs have had that effect."
Billy Paul passed away this past Sunday at the age of 81.
What are you listening to tonight?
