Paul Williams has composed many hit songs, has been an Academy Award nominee (and winner) in different musical categories, he has written film scripts and musicals, he has acted and also performed comedy.
Williams was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He is one of three brothers. His younger brother, Mentor Williams is a well-known and respected songwriter and producer. Their father was an architect whose work required him to travel the United States. As a result, the Williams family were often forced to up sticks and move.

Paul Williams father was to be killed in a car crash. This event split the family, and at 13, Williams moved to Long Beach, California. Then in the early 1960's, another move, this time to Albuquerue, New Mexico. Here he worked with a troupe of stunt parachutists at weekends, whilst holding an office job during the week. He joined a small local theatre, working backstage. This lead to acting roles, and Williams quickly built up a strong local reputation.

A children's TV show was proposed, and when this was eventually shelved, Williams moved to Los Angeles. He planned to pursue an acting career, and worked on small productions. His first role of any

te was in the 1964 film "The Loved One".

Whilst on location for a minor role in "The Chase", Williams began writing lyrics.

Back to Los Angeles, where comedian Mort Sahl invited him to play in a sketch. The following week found Williams working full time as a writer for Sahls local TV programme. Also working on the show was Biff Rose, a singer-songwriter. The two men became friends and began writing songs together. They found themselves signed to A&M's publishing wing.

Two Paul Williams songs were released in 1968. The first sung by Claudine Longet, and co-written with Roger Nichols, was called "It's Hard To Say Goodbye". The second was the B-side of Tiny Tim's famous "Tiptoe Through The Tulips". Written with Biff Rose, it was called "Fill Your Heart".

The next step was to form a group, The Holy Mackerel. Mentor Williams was also involved in this project as a writer and singer. An album "The Holy Mackerel" was released on Reprise Records. The group were dropped by Reprise, but Williams' option was taken up. The first Paul Williams solo album "Someday Man" was released.

The album had some good Williams-Nichols collaborations, and a strong set of backing musicians. Despite this, it didn't sell well, and Paul Williams decided to concentrate on songwriting. It was at this time that two songs were composed that were to establish Paul Williams.

The group Three Dog Night recorded the Williams-Nichols song "Out In The Country", and the single began to climb the charts. Meanwhile, Williams and Nichols' were commissioned to work on a commercial for a California bank. As well, as writing a short lyric for the commercial, Williams and Nichols wrote a complete song, hoping that someone might be interested. The song was "We've Only Just Begun". The song was a huge hit for The Carpenters and has been covered by dozens of other artists.

As well as his albums, Paul Williams has written scripts and music for a number of films and television programmes, as well as acting in others. Notable credits include...

The album had some good Williams-Nichols collaborations, and a strong set of backing musicians. Despite this, it didn't sell well, and Paul Williams decided to concentrate on songwriting. It was at this time that two songs were composed that were to establish Paul Williams.

The group Three Dog Night recorded the Williams-Nichols song "Out In The Country", and the single began to climb the charts. Meanwhile, Williams and Nichols' were commissioned to work on a commercial for a California bank. As well, as writing a short lyric for the commercial, Williams and Nichols wrote a complete song, hoping that someone might be interested. The song was "We've Only Just Begun". The song was a huge hit for The Carpenters and has been covered by dozens of other artists.

As well as his albums, Paul Williams has written scripts and music for a number of films and television programmes, as well as acting in others. Notable credits include...