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The soul singer Billy Paul has died aged 81.
Paul, who is best known for his single “Me and Mrs Jones” passed away at his New Jersey home on Sunday. The singer had recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to his co-manager Beverly Gay.
A statement on the singer’s website said: “We regret to announce with a heavy heart that Billy has passed away today at home after a serious medical condition.
“We would like to extend our most sincere condolences to his wife Blanche and family for their loss, as they and the world grieves the loss of another musical icon that helped pioneer today’s R&B music. Billy will be truly missed.”
With a career that spanned 60 years, it was the 1972 hit which propelled Paul to fame and saw him win a Grammy award a year later for best rhythm n blues male vocal performance.
Born Paul Williams in Philadelphia, Paul was drafted in the military in his early 20s and was stationed at the same base in Germany as Elvis Presley and Gary Crosby.
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He began singing from a young age and featured on singles during his late teens.
According to his manager he had been performing up until he fell ill and had other shows lined up.
Paul is survived by his wife Blanche and two children.
Additional reporting by Associated Press.
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