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Paul Williams (songwriter)

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Paul Hamilton Williams (born September 19, 1940, in Omaha, Nebraska) is an American composer, songwriter, and actor.

Contents

[edit] Film and Television Career

Paul Williams is widely known for his music but he is also an actor, appearing in films and many television guest appearances, notably as the Faustian record producer Swan in the cult film Phantom of the Paradise, a rock and roll remake of Phantom of the Opera, and as "Virgil", the genius orangutan on Battle for the Planet of the Apes. Williams worked closely with Jim Henson's Henson Productions on The Muppet Movie, most specifically on the soundtrack.

He provided the voice of The Penguin in Batman:The Animated Series.

[edit] Musical career

Paul Williams is recognized as one of America's most prolific and gifted lyricists and composers. A 'Hall of Fame' songwriter and recipient of the 2004 National Music Publishers President's Award, Williams standards have been recorded by such diverse musical icons as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, David Bowie, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughn, Johnny Mathis, Bing Crosby, The Carpenters, Luther Vandross, Mel Torme and Diana Ross.

His songs have found favor with country legends including Chet Atkins, Kris Kristofferson, Charlie Pride, The Dixie Chicks, Crystal Gayle, Anne Murray, Lynn Anderson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Diamond Rio and Neil McCoy. When asked which song is his favorite, Paul is quick to respond, "That's easy! It's "The Rainbow Connection." It's a thrill to hear my words interpreted by such inimitable talents as Sarah McLachlan, Willie Nelson, Kenny Loggins, Judy Collins and Kermit the Frog!"

"The Rainbow Connection," from the children's classic The Muppet Movie, is one of two Paul Williams songs that grace the American Film Institute's list of top movie songs of all time, the second, "Evergreen," is from the award winning Streisand/Kristofferson remakes of A Star is Born. Additional song scores include the cult favorites Phantom of the Paradise and Ishtar, as well as The Muppet Christmas Carol and Bugsy Malone. Paul also penned the lyrics for the blockbuster hit The Sum of All Fears. For the season finale of Ally McBeal, Williams offered the touching "I Know Him By Heart," recorded by Vonda Shepard. Paul recently teamed up with legendary songwriter Carole King to write the song "Stand Back," sung by Joan Osborne, for Raising Helen and wrote the music and lyrics for the Gary Marshall musical Happy Days. He considers writing songs for Fonzie and the Cunningham family one of life's most enjoyable tasks.

Although most people came to know the witty Mr. Williams as one of Johnny Carson's recurring favorites on The Tonight Show, or as an actor in dozens of films, television comedies and dramas, it is his musical legacy that continues to inspire. "We've Only Just Begun," "Rainy Days and Mondays," "You and Me Against the World," "An Old Fashioned Love Song" and "Let Me Be the One" all remain pop classics and are among the 22 tracks on the November 2004 Hip-O select release Evergreens: The Very Best of the A&M Years. Contemporary arrangements of some of these favorites were also recorded in Japan and released on the CD Love Wants to Dance, a clear indication of he global appreciation for his work.

Also new for 2006 is the AIX DVD Audio/Video disc I'm Going Back There Some Day featuring Paul Williams and special guests Willie Nelson, Melissa Manchester and Gonzo the Muppet. The full-featured DVD includes stereo and 5.1 surround recordings of some of Paul's favorite songs, complete video of the sessions, interviews and concert footage of recent performances.

Most recently, he collaborated with Scissor Sisters on their sophomore album, Ta-Dah.

[edit] Personal life

Privately a devoted father and publicly lauded for his work as a songwriter, performer, actor and humanitarian, he predicts he'll be remembered for playing Little Enos in the Smokey and the Bandit trilogy and for his lyrics to The Love Boat theme. A proud parent, Paul considers his son, Cole and daughter, Sarah to be his best work. He is happily married to writer, Mariana Williams.

[edit] Acting career

[edit] Movies (Partial List)

[edit] Plays

[edit] Television

He made numerous television appearances in the 1970s and 1980s, including guest appearances on Match Game '79, The Love Boat, The Hardy Boys and The Muppet Show. He has also appeared on an episode of Babylon 5 as the aide to an alien ambassador whose species finalizes treaties and agreements by having sex with the other signees. Williams appeared on an episode of Picket Fences as the brother of the just deceased Ginny Weedon (Zelda Rubinstein). He starred as Ferdinand the Bull in a musical 1/2 hour TV production of the same name written by the Sherman Brothers.

He is also known as the voice of the Penguin in Batman: The Animated Series.

[edit] Songwriter career

[edit] Albums (Partial List)

  • Words & Music
  • The Holy Mackerel
  • We've Only Just Begun
  • Someday Man
  • Just An Old Fashioned Love Song
  • Life Goes On
  • Here Comes Inspiration
  • A Little Bit Of Love
  • Phantom Of The Paradise
  • Ordinary Fool
  • A Little On The Windy Side
  • Crazy For Loving You

[edit] Notable songs (Partial List)

  • "We've Only Just Begun"
  • "Rainy Days and Mondays"
  • "I Won't Last a Day Without You"
  • "What Would They Say"
  • "Someday Man"
  • "To Put Up With You"
  • "Waking Up Alone"
  • "Rainbow Connection"
  • "(Just An) Old Fashioned Love Song"
  • "The Hell of It"
  • "One More Angel"
  • "Theme to the Love Boat"
  • "Evergreen"
  • "Let Me Be the One"
  • "You and Me Against the World"

[edit] Film music (Partial List)

[edit] Television (Partial List)

[edit] External links

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