Paul Williams has been lauded and awarded over the years by audiences and his peers alike, not only as one of the most gifted and prolific lyricists and composers, but also as a singer, an actor and a humanitarian.
As a composer, Williams' achievements are virtually unparalleled, having received nine nominations from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and six nominations each from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, and has filled his shelf with Grammys, Golden Globes and an Oscar for his victories. He has also been recognized by both ASCAP and BMI for the success of his songs.
Another honor came Paul's way on June 14, 2001 when be was inducted into the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame at their 32nd annual awards ceremony in New York in recognition of his musical contributions. That evening he stood alongside Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, among others, in receiving the honor.
Williams' current album, "Back To Love Again" released by Pioneer Entertainment and distributed by Koch International, gives a hint as to why he has had these accolades heaped upon him during his career. The album is highlighted by new versions of such Williams' hits as "I Won't Last A Day Without You," "An Old Fashioned Love Song" and "Rainbow Connection," as well as "You're Gone," which recently topped the charts for country stars Diamond Rio. The album, which also contains six future classics from Williams' pen, features guest appearances by Graham Nash, Richard Carpenter, Valerie Carter and Wings' guitarist Laurence Juber.
Williams' list of acting credits is almost as long as that of his songs. Among his memorable movies have been 'The Muppet Movie," 'The Doors," "Battle For The Planet Of The Apes," the cult favorite "Phantom of the Paradise" and his running portrayal of Little Enos in the three "Smokey And The Bandit" films. His television acting credits include "Star Trek," "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Picket Fences," "Boston Common," "Babylon 5," "Hart To Hart" and a regular role on the CBS daytime drama, "The Bold And The Beautiful." He is also heard as the voice of the Penguin on the animated "Batman" series.
But it was as a singer/songwriter that Paul Williams first entered the public eye. In addition to previously mentioned hits, such enduring Williams' songs as "We've Only Just Begun," "Rainy Days And Mondays," "Let Me Be The One," "You And Me Against the World," Three Dog Night's hit versions of "The Family Of Man" and "Out In The Country," and the Oscar winning "Evergreen" are just a handful of his songs that have become part of our musical landscape and have sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide. As a performer he has toured extensively, not only in the United States, but also in Europe, Asia and South America.
