Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe winning songwriter Paul Williams is recognized as one of America’s most prolific and gifted lyricists and composers. A `Hall of Fame’ songwriter and recipient of the 2004 National Music Publishers President’s Award, Williams’ standards have been recorded by such diverse musical icons as Elvis Presley, REM, Sarah Mc Lachlan, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, David Bowie, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughn, Johnny Mathis, Bing Crosby, The Carpenters, Luther Vandross, Mel Torme and Diana Ross. (You can find a list of some of these here).

His songs have also found favor with Country legends including Chet Atkins, Garth Brooks, Kris Kristofferson, Charlie Pride, Crystal Gayle, Anne Murray, Lynn Anderson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Diamond Rio and Neil McCoy. When asked which song is his favorite, Paul is quick to respond, "That’s easy! It’s "The Rainbow Connection" (click here for the lyrics of this song). It’s a thrill to hear my words interpreted by such inimitable talents as Sarah McLachlan, Willie Nelson, Judy Collins and Kermit the Frog!”

The Rainbow Connection, from the children’s classic "Muppet Movie", is one of two Paul Williams songs that grace the American Film Institute’s list of the top movie songs of all time, the second,  "Evergreen" (click here for the lyrics of this song), is from the award winning Streisand/Kristofferson remake of ‘A Star Is Born’. Additional song scores include the cult favorites "Phantom of the Paradise" and "Ishtar", as well as "The Muppet Christmas Carol" and "Bugsy Malone.". Paul also penned the lyrics for the blockbuster hit ‘The Sum of All Fears’. For the season finale of ‘Ally McBeal’, Williams offered the touching "I Know Him By Heart" (click here for the lyrics of this song), recorded by Vonda Shepard. Paul recently teamed up with legendary songwriter Carole King to write the title song "Stand Back", sung by Joan Osborne, for ‘Raising Helen’, and is currently writing the music and lyrics for the Garry Marshall musical ‘Happy Days’. He considers writing songs for Fonzie and the Cunningham family one of lifes most enjoyable tasks. (See information on where to see the Happy Days stage show here)

Although most people came to know the witty Mr. Williams as one of Johnny Carson’s recurring favorites on ‘The Tonight Show’, or as an actor in dozens of films, television comedies and dramas, it is his musical legacy that continues to inspire. "We've Only Just Begun" (click here for the lyrics of this song), "Rainy Days And Mondays" (click here for the lyrics of this song), "You and Me Against The World" (click here for the lyrics of this song), "Just An Old Fashioned Love Song" (click here for the lyrics of this song), "Let Me Be The One" (click here for the lyrics of this song ) all remain pop classics and are among the 22 tracks on the November 2004 Hip-O Select release 'Evergreens: The Very Best of the A&M Years'. Contemporary arrangements of some of these favorites were also recorded in Japan and released on the CD  Love Wants To Dance, a clear indication of the global appreciation for his work.

Also new for 2005 is the AIX DVD Audio/Video disc 'I’m Going Back There Some Day' featuring Paul Williams and special guests Willie Nelson, Melissa Manchester and Gonzo the Muppet. The full-featured DVD includes stereo and 5.1 surround recordings of some of Paul's favorite songs, complete video of the sessions, interviews, and concert footage of recent performances. (See information here)

Having completed a successful national tour with Melissa Manchester, he has since performed his classics in venues from New York to Los Angeles (See dates here). As a part of America’s large recovering community, Paul is also very active on the Speakers Circuit. Sharing stories of his own escape from addiction, he quips, "You know you’re an alcoholic when you misplace a decade." Sober 14 years, his humorous observations of his own life experiences are augmented by the education and knowledge he gained through his studies and certification from UCLA as a Certified Drug Rehabilitation Counselor.

Privately a devoted father, and publicly lauded for his work as a songwriter, performer, actor and humanitarian, he predicts he’ll be remembered for playing Little Enos in the ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ trilogy and for his lyric’s to "The Love Boat theme". A proud parent, Paul considers his son, Cole, and daughter, Sarah, to be his best work.