At the apex of Philadelphia soul music is R&B vocalist Bill Paul, who began his career in the 1950s but really soared in the ‘70s. The Philly native got his start on a radio program at age 11 when he showcased his already-budding jazz talent that was a result of his jazz-infused home life. Paul attended Philadelphia's Temple University and Granoff Music School and upon graduation began performing all over the state. Before starting his own trio which would record for Jubilee, Paul performed with industry mainstays Roberta Flack, Dinah Washington, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. Paul's first solo release was "Why Am I," for Jubilee Records. Subsequent to his Jubilee release, Paul collaborated with record executive Kenny Gamble for Feeling Good at the Cadillac Club (a live album) and the soulful release Ebony Woman. Billy Paul's career soared in 1972, after he signed to Gamble & Huff's fledgling Philadelphia International Records and recorded 360 Degrees of Billy. The album spawned an out-of-the-park smash single, the controversial "Me and Mrs. Jones," in which the soulful singer delivered lyrics about adultery over irresistible bass. "Me and Mrs. Jones" scored Paul a Grammy Award and was one of the biggest hits of the year, as well as the most successful song of Billy Paul's career. The remainder of the ‘70s saw Paul releasing record after successful record that continued to place his name on the R&B charts, such as with 1974's hit "Thanks for Saving My Life."In the ‘80s and ‘90s Paul went label-hopping and despite little commercial success, the Philadelphia soul singer could still pack a concert stadium. Paul formed Billy Paul Management and Production to aid the music career of other Philly-based artists and continues to tour and release greatest hits albums into the new millennium.