Paul Williams (songwriter)

Paul Williams is an American composer and songwriter who was born Paul Hamilton Williams September 19, 1940, in Omaha, Nebraska. The diminutive (5 feet (1.5 m.) tall) and cherubic Williams is also an actor, appearing in films and many television guest appearances, notably as the lead role in the cult film Phantom of the Paradise, a rock and roll remake of Phantom of the Opera. Williams worked closely with Jim Henson's Henson Productions on The Muppet Movie, most specifically on the soundtrack.

Achievements

He is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and his songs have been performed by both popular and country music artists. He is the son-in-law of actor Keenan Wynn. He has won one Academy Award, two Grammy Awards and several Golden Globes.

Williams is responsible for a number of enduring pop hits from the 1970s, including the popular children's favorite "The Rainbow Connection", sung by Kermit in "The Muppet Movie", and the cover-band requirement "We've Only Just Begun", still de rigeur for weddings throughout North America.

Later life

Williams has been active in the field of recovery from addictions. He has been divorced twice, is currently married, and has two children.

Acting career

Movies

• The Loved One, 1965
• The Chase, 1966
• Watermelon Man, 1970
• Battle for the Planet of the Apes, 1973
• Phantom of the Paradise, 1974
• Smokey and the Bandit, 1977, as Little Enos, a recurring part
• The Cheap Detective, 1978
• The Muppet Movie, 1979
• Smokey and the Bandit II, 1980
• Smokey and the Bandit Part 3, 1983
• The Doors, 1991
• Headless Body in Topless bar, 1995
• The Rules of Attraction, 2002

Plays

• Under the Sycamore Tree
• Tru on Broadway, 1989

He has also made numerous television appearances in the 1970s and 1980s, including guest appearances on episodes of Match Game 79.

Songwriter career

Albums

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

Notable Songs

We've Only Just Begun

Rainy Days and Mondays

What Would They Say

Someday Man

Waking Up Alone

Rainbow Connection

Just An Old Fashioned Lovesong

The Hell Of It

One More Angel

Theme To The Love Boat

Film music

• The Getaway, 1972
• The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing, 1972
• Cinderella Liberty, 1973
• Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, 1974
• Phantom of the Paradise, 1974
• The Day of the Locust, 1975
• Bugsy Malone, 1976
• A Star Is Born, 1976
• One on One, 1977
• The End, 1978
• Agatha, 1979
• The Muppet Movie, 1979
• The Secret of NIMH, 1982

Television

• The Love Boat
• The McLean Stevenson Show
• It Takes Two
• Sugar Time!
• Baretta
• Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas, produced by Jim Henson

External links

• Paul Williams Humanitarian
• IMDb: Paul Williams
• Paul Williams' Music & Acting Page
• Complete brief biography
• Paul Williams Fan Club
• PaulWilliams Connection