PHILLY
EVENTSCharacter: Billy Paul
- Photograph By Ryan Donnell
Age: 73.
Why you know his name: Grammy-winning singer of the 1972 Gamble-and-Huff-produced ode to infidelity “Me and Mrs. Jones.”
How he’s enjoying his retirement in South Jersey: “Retired? Are you serious?” There’s a documentary due this summer, a tour of Europe (with a stop at the West Oak Lane Jazz Fest on June 19th), and a new album set for 2010.
How his hit reflected his personal life: “Well, I had my experiences. But I’ve been married to the same woman for 43 years.” Whether Mrs. Paul kept a tight leash on him after “Mrs. Jones”: “She’s my manager!”
How a septuagenarian figures into the world of Kanye & Beyoncé: “I’ve always worked hard to create my own style. Nobody sounds like me. I’ve heard them call me ‘legendary.’ That feels pretty good … though the word is overused these days.”
