Paul Williams was a well-known American singer and performer who was most remembered for his time with the famed Motown group “The Temptations.” Williams’ rich and strong baritone voice was instrumental in developing the group’s signature sound.
He was noted for his captivating stage appearance and ability to connect with audiences, which contributed to The Temptations being one of the most influential and successful R&B and soul groups of their era.
“The Way You Do the Things You Do” was the group’s first big hit in 1964. Other songs by them, such as “My Girl” and “(I Know) I’m Losing You,” became hits as well.
Despite his evident success as a performer, Paul Williams struggled with personal concerns such as health issues and drinking. Tragically, he struggled with depression and committed suicide on August 17, 1973, at the age of 34.
This article delves into Paul Williams’ life, career, and legacy, focusing on his financial achievement and net worth at the time of his death. Paul Williams’ career, both in music and in his personal life, exemplifies the complexities of celebrity and the problems that come with it.
What Was Paul Williams “The Temptations Singer” Final Net Worth?
Paul Williams was thought to have had a final net worth of over $500,000. Paul Williams made his money through various sources, including his career as a singer, and songwriter.
The Early Life Of Paul Williams
On July 2, 1939, Paul Williams was born. His parents, Sophia and Rufus Williams, raised him in Birmingham, Alabama’s vast Ensley suburb. Rufus Williams, his father, was a devotional singer.
Paul was extremely devout, and he and former bandmate Eddie Kendricks sang in their church choir. During his adolescence, Williams began performing in a band called The Cavaliers, with hopes of making it great in the music industry.
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Paul Williams Career
The Temptations signed with Motown Records in 1961, but it took three years for one of their recordings to reach the Billboard Top 20. Williams was the group’s early lead singer, but David Ruffin and Eddie Kendrick, who both sang lead on The Temptations’ successful songs in 1965, ignored him.
Even on album tracks and B-sides, Williams received little attention as a solo singer. However, he eventually got to sing lead on some of their tunes. He was also regarded as the Temptations’ best dancer. He established routines for his group and the Supremes until Cholly Atkins snatched them away from him.
Williams performed a solo rendition of the Temptations’ hit singles “Hey Girl,” “Just Another Lonely Night,” and “Don’t Look Back.” One of his most well-known live performances was “For Once in My Life” on the NBC special TCB.
In 1965, Williams began seeing Winnie Brown, the Supremes’ hairstylist. Four years later, the two founded a celebrity fashion business in Detroit. Williams had high aspirations for the company, but it failed, leaving him with more than $80,000 in tax obligations.
While on tour, Williams had sickle cell anemia and was hooked to alcohol. His condition deteriorated to the point where he was unable to perform at times, and the other four Temptations had to take turns keeping oxygen tanks and his booze stashes during the tour.
The Temptations had to replace Williams because his voice changed as a result of his lung condition and excessive drinking. The Monitors’ lead singer at the time was Richard Street. He was contracted to sing all of Williams’ parts behind a backstage curtain.
Williams ultimately went to the doctor in April 1971, and the doctor discovered a lesion on his liver. As a result, he decided to leave the group for good. Williams was nevertheless granted a sixteenth of the group’s income and was paid for two years to help him improve.
Paul Williams Personal Life
Paul Williams met and married Mary Agnes Williams. Kenneth, Mary, Paula, Sarita, and Paul Jr. Williams were their five children.
People believed Paul had an affair with Winnie Brown around 1965. Brown was a hairstylist for The Supremes and a cousin of Florence Ballard, who was also a member of The Supremes. After several years, Mary Agnes requested a divorce from the musician, but she was denied since Paul died in 1973.
Paul had three additional children with three different women before he died. Anthony Johnson, Derrick Vinyard, and Paul Williams Lucas are their names. His brother, Johny Williams, even referred to him as a breeder.
Williams’ family fought in court for years after his death over his Motown earnings before agreeing to split the money. Paula, her sister, was the one who handed them to her.
Paul Williams Cause Of Death
On August 17, 1973, Williams was discovered dead in a stopped automobile in an alley. He’d just gotten out of a quarrel at his girlfriend’s new residence.
A gun was near his body. It was assumed that he committed suicide. Otis Williams claimed that Paul told him and Melvin Franklin months before his death that he was contemplating suicide. His family and former bandmates attended his funeral.
