Paul Williams and the Muppets

As any true Paul Williams fan knows, Paul wrote many of those classic Muppet songs we all love so much. He was also a frequent guest on the Muppet Show.

Here's the man himself joining in with some familiar faces to sing a "Sad Song"....

Paul Williams In "The Rules Of Attraction"

Based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, The Rules Of Attraction is a complex and seriously twisted bit of black comedy that we highly recommend to those who can handle such a film.

Paul takes the time to shine in a cameo appearance as jaded doctor who messes with some college kids as they bring in an ODing friend...

Paul Williams' Songwriting At It's Best!

Before it became the signature song of The Carpenters, "We've Only Just Begun" began life as a simple yet effective jingle with lyrics written by Paul Williams (music by Roger Nichols) for Crocker Citizens Bank back in 1970. Upon hearing the the song, Richard Carpenter immediately realized it's potential and recorded it for release as a single.



Richard's ear proved correct and this "jingle" went on to became one of The Carpenters most enduring hits. It's since proven to be an established wedding staple and continues to hold up in a world saturated with lesser songs.

Rolling Stone ranked "We've Only Just Begun" #405 on it's list "the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".

(Our apologies if the video link doesn't work. YouTube loves to yank this clip.)

SWAN

The evil music industry genius Swan, as portrayed by Paul Williams in the the must-see cult classic Phantom of the Paradise...

Paul Williams, circa 1976

Paul parties down in an uncredited photo. Dig that suit! I bet he went home and wrote a hit song afterwards...

(if anybody knows who took the photo or the the story behind it, please pass it on to us!)

Who The Hell Is Paul Williams?

You know who Paul Williams is, even if you think you don't. Throughout the seventies and early eighties, the songwriter, singer, actor, producer and all around multi-media wizard dominated pop culture with an unshakable presence that could not be ignored.

Paul wrote major hits for stars like the Carpenters, John Denver, Three Dog Night, Kermit the Frog, and dozens more. As a composer he created counteless soundtracks for films like Phantom of the Paradise, The Muppet Movie, Thunderbolt & Lightfoot, and the world famous theme from The Love Boat.

And if Paul's fingertip on the pulse of the music business wasn't enough, he stepped into the world of acting. An unlikely star in a superficial world of flavor of the month pretty boys, Paul's charisma and natural likability found him a welcome personality on both the big and small screen. With his comedic turn as Little Enos in Smokey and the Bandit, his darker role as the villainous Swan in the cult classic Phantom of the Paradise, to his always enjoyable appearances on Fantasy Island and The Muppet Show, Paul Williams cemented himself a solid niche in 70's pop-culture history. He even landed a fine supporting role as a genius orangutan in the Planet of the Apes saga. It seems there's nothing Paul can't do.



These days Paul still records, writes hit songs for films, and makes the occasional movie appearance every so often. You may have even heard his voice work in animated features from time to time. He shows no signs of slowing down.

This blog will represent a modest effort to trace the man's multi-decade career and his sizable body of work for both fans and newcomers. Please come on by and visit us to talk about all things Paul!