The 1972 Grammy Award-winning ballad, “Me and Mrs. Jones,” remains an iconic masterpiece of soul music, forever associated with the velvety voice of Billy Paul. This article delves into the story behind the song’s success and its impact on Paul’s career, drawing from a revealing 1983 interview conducted by Stephen Fried for Philadelphia magazine. This excerpt provides a unique glimpse into Billy Paul’s perspective on his signature hit, his time with Philadelphia International Records, and life after the phenomenal rise of “Me and Mrs. Jones” song.
In 1982, amidst the shifting sands of the music industry and following the tragic accident of Teddy Pendergrass, questions swirled about the trajectory of Gamble and Huff’s Philadelphia International Records. Stephen Fried, then a young writer, sought to uncover the narrative behind this evolving musical landscape. Unable to directly interview Gamble and Huff, Fried turned to those within their orbit, one of the most insightful being Billy Paul. For Fried, “Me and Mrs. Jones” was more than just a song; it was a personal favorite, a track that commanded attention and resonated deeply with its raw emotion and Paul’s unforgettable vocal delivery, especially during the song’s captivating a cappella moments.
However, by the early 1980s, Billy Paul was perceived by some as a disgruntled figure from the Philly Sound era. Yet, in 1983, at the age of 45, Paul’s life revealed a different story. Many of his contemporaries from that time have since passed, making his reflections even more valuable. This interview excerpt, originally published in the June 1983 Philadelphia magazine article “The Day the Soul Train Crashed,” offers a poignant look at Billy Paul’s journey after his monumental hit.
From Grammy Glory to Navigating a Shifting Career
“Me and Mrs. Jones,” a powerful ballad of forbidden love, catapulted Billy Paul to international fame and earned him a Grammy Award in 1972. Despite this monumental success, Paul felt his subsequent career trajectory was hampered by poor song choices made by Gamble and Huff. Rumors and whispers about substance abuse circulated, with many attributing his career dip to these alleged issues. However, those who spread these rumors seemed distant from the reality of Paul’s life in the early 80s.
Fried’s pursuit to interview Paul involved navigating a maze of disconnected and changed phone numbers, finally leading him to Paul’s home. He discovered that the singer was not engaging in self-destructive behavior, but rather attending music theory classes at Camden County College. This revelation starkly contrasted with the dire warnings Fried had received, including one source suggesting Paul might resort to violence if portrayed negatively. Instead, Fried found a man dedicated to his craft and personal growth.
Visiting Paul’s home in Blackwood, New Jersey, Fried observed an elegant space filled with Oriental art, reflecting the tastes of Billy and his wife, Blanche. He sensed a weariness, yet also a palpable sense of resilience and recovery. Married for 17 years, a significant milestone in the music industry, their relationship appeared to be a source of strength, tested but unbroken.
The Pauls were accustomed to questions about drug use, a pervasive issue within the music scene. They offered a straightforward response: Billy was prioritizing his health, jogging daily, studying music, writing, and actively seeking a new record deal. He challenged his accusers to match his fitness, questioning the “cokehead” label attributed to him.
Indeed, Billy Paul did not present as someone consumed by addiction. Instead, Fried saw a man marked by past struggles, yet resolutely moving forward with hope. His memories of his decade with Philly International were bittersweet – sweet for the unparalleled success of “Me and Mrs. Jones,” but bitter due to perceived mismanagement by Gamble.
“Am I Black Enough for You?” and Career Crossroads
Paul believed he became an early casualty of Kenny Gamble’s focus on black empowerment. Following the massive crossover appeal of “Me and Mrs. Jones,” Paul felt the logical next step was a song with universal themes. However, he explicitly advised Gamble against releasing “Am I Black Enough for You?”, fearing its title and message would alienate a significant portion of his newly expanded fanbase.
Despite Paul’s reservations, Gamble released “Am I Black Enough for You?”. Paul surmised that Gamble prioritized using his platform for a broader message over nurturing Paul’s career, or perhaps believed the Black audience outweighed the white listeners who had embraced “Mrs. Jones.” Regardless of the reasoning, “Am I Black Enough for You?” did not replicate the success of its predecessor, and Paul felt his career never regained its previous momentum. While he recorded quality songs, none reached the heights of “Me and Mrs. Jones.”
Adding to his frustration, Paul felt sidelined when Teddy Pendergrass embarked on a solo career. He believed Gamble shifted focus and resources to Pendergrass, further diminishing Paul’s prominence within the label. Paul also felt that Gamble failed to adapt to evolving musical trends, missing opportunities to capitalize on Paul’s jazz roots as jazz vocalizing experienced a resurgence. He pointed to Al Jarreau’s success in the jazz-vocal genre as a path he could have pursued had Philly International been more attuned to his potential.
Life Beyond the Charts and the Enduring Power of a Hit
By 1983, Billy Paul was actively performing internationally, often touring Europe for the State Department and entertaining American troops. The enduring popularity of “Me and Mrs. Jones” ensured a steady income, demonstrating the lasting power of a truly impactful hit song. He was actively seeking a new record deal, indicating a continued drive to create and perform.
During a private conversation with Blanche Paul, Fried gained further insight into the couple’s journey. Blanche recounted her unwavering support, running a dress shop during Billy’s lean years and also enjoying the fruits of his success during prosperous times. She acknowledged Billy’s past struggles with drugs, common in the industry, but affirmed those days were behind them.
Billy Paul’s story, as revealed in this excerpt, is one of triumph and tribulation, inextricably linked to the phenomenal success of “Me and Mrs. Jones” song. It’s a narrative of navigating the complexities of fame, artistic vision, and personal resilience in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry. The legacy of “Me and Mrs. Jones” continues to resonate, a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and Billy Paul’s indelible mark on soul music.
