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
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