Billy Paul Williams

Not to be confused with either Philadelphia soul singer Billy Paul (best known for his 1971 smash "Me & Mrs. Jones" or ‘70s soft rocker Paul Williams, Billy Paul Williams is a producer, composer, musician, mixmaster, and vocalist who has focused on different styles of electronica and dance music in the 21st century. Williams, who now lives in the trendy South Beach area of Miami, is best known for his 2002 club hit "Sex" (which made it to number one on Billboard's Hot Dance Tracks chart and was especially popular in Europe). While "Sex" (a collaboration with DJ Robbie Rivera) is an exuberant, uptempo example of house music, Williams took a softer, more laid-back approach on his 2003 release Miles to Go. That album favored a downtempo/chill-out orientation and incorporated elements of jazz; the title Miles to Go is obviously an acknowledgment of jazz trumpet great Miles Davis. While Miles to Go isn't jazz per se, the album is electronica/club music with jazz overtones. Williams has eclectic tastes; the long list of people who have influenced him ranges from Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Don Cherry to house icon Marshall Jefferson to ‘70s soul-rock star Billy Preston to various Latin artists. In addition to playing several instruments — including guitar, bass, and keyboards — Williams has done his share of singing and has been employed as a background vocalist by two major Latin stars: Columbia's Shakira and Puerto Rico's Chayanne. When Miles to Go was released by Kriztal Entertainment in June 2003, Williams was in the process of writing material for Chayanne's first English-language album.