Billy Paul, soul singer, 81

Billy Paul, 81, the acclaimed Philadelphia soul singer best known for the No. 1 hit ballad "Me and Mrs. Jones," died of cancer Sunday morning in Blackwood, N.J., according to his manager Beverly Gay.

Mr. Paul, born Paul Williams in Philadelphia in 1934, was hospitalized last week at Temple University Hospital, Gay said.

Mr. Paul was one of many artists who had success with the Philadelphia-based writing and production team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.

Mr. Paul attended the West Philadelphia Music School and the Granoff School of Music. He got his start on local radio station WPEN at age 11, and later performed at local jazz clubs.

After serving in the Army, where he was stationed with Elvis Presley, Mr. Paul released his first album, Feelin' Good at the Cadillac Club, a collection of jazz covers, in 1968 on Gamble's label.

Mr. Paul had his biggest hit with the 1972 single "Me and Mrs. Jones," written and produced by Gamble and Huff. The record hit the top of the charts and won a Grammy. It was Mr. Paul's only No. 1 single. His album 360 Degrees of Billy Paul also hit the top spot.

Though Mr. Paul released 15 albums, he never again hit the heights of "Me and Mrs. Jones."

Funeral arrangements were not announced.

- Wire and staff reports