Feature album - 360 Degrees of Billy Paul

Our feature album today is from artist who celebrated his 80th birthday on Monday. Paul Williams began his singing career at the age of 12, appearing on local radio shows in his home town of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He formed a trio and cut his first record at the age of 19, before being drafted into the Army. After being discharged, he became a brief stand-in for one of Harold Melvin's Blue Notes. By then, another singer/songwriter by same the name was on the scene so Philly based Paul Williams became Billy Paul and after attending Temple University's Music School for formal vocal training, switched from rock to soul.