The American soul singer, Billy Paul, has died at the age of 80.

He was best known for his 1972 hit Me and Mrs. Jones, which won a Grammy award and reached number one in the United States (U.S.)

A statement on his website said he died on Sunday of a “serious medical condition”. The NME music magazine has reported that this was pancreatic cancer.

Mr. Paul, who was born as Paul Williams in Philadelphia, helped shape the course of modern R&B music.

In his youth, he performed alongside soul legends including Charlie Parker and Nina Simone.

His biggest hit, Me and Mrs. Jones, about an extra-marital affair, has been covered by artists including Michael Buble and Hall & Oates.

In 2003, Mr. Paul won a $500,000 (then £250,534) lawsuit for royalties owed for it from 1994 to 2002 by Assorted Music.