Paul Williams took the stage at the Plush Room looking as if time had stopped for him. Even after many years I would have recognized him anywhere. He looks just as I remember him from Match Game, The Love Boat and talk shows of the 70’s – Mike Douglas anyone?

As the writer of such classic hits as “An Old-Fashioned Love Song,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Evergreen” and “The Rainbow Connection,” Williams provided the soundtrack for more than one generation. He has more than earned his place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame–-he was inducted in 2001—he has earned his place in the hearts and recording collections of people all over the world. Karen Carpenter, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, David Bowie, Diana Ross, and Elvis Presley have all recorded Williamss’ works, but there is something really special about hearing these great songs performed by the songwriter himself.

He’s not the best singer in the world, but few songwriters out there have had such amazing careers, let alone can come out and perform their work with such heart and integrity.

Williams commented several times throughout his set that he was experiencing some vocal difficulties, yet he sounds very much like I remember him on Merv Griffin. Although he has been performing since he was a child, he has never really been much of a singer — more of a song stylist. I am happy to say that his gift for styling has only improved with time. His recent show at the Plush Room was a real triumph of styling and substance. 

A pianist, drummer and synthesizer player/saxophonist provided the entire accompaniment. Performing center stage surrounded by his lean band, Williams led the audience on a journey through his life, one that has been filled with more than beautiful music. Apparently there has also been trouble and addiction. Williams uses his songs to weave a seamless, warmly compelling tale of his life. He is so gracious and comfortable as a performer that as the evening ended I found myself feeling more like I had been hanging out at Paul’s house with him than at a show with a hundred other people.

Paul Williams tells us that after approaching super stardom in the ‘70s –-I mean, come on, he didn’t just appear on The Love Boat, he also wrote the theme song! –-he descended into serious cocaine and alcohol addiction in the ‘80s. Joking that he misplaced an entire decade, Williams says that when one of his friends mentioned something about Reagan being president he thought he had to be joking.

While he didn’t write many songs during this period, having lived through it (Williams remarked more than once that he should be dead) has certainly made him a richer performer. Clean now for more than 16 years, Williams is a passionate advocate for sobriety. He has been certified as a drug counselor and has spent much of his time recently working in this field. That being said, he made a point at the Plush Room to say that he wasn’t there to get the audience to quit drinking – in fact he encouraged us to enjoy our cocktails. Phew!

This evening of music and stories was a priceless look into the life and the catalog of an incredibly gifted songwriter. I loved learning that he had written “Rainy Days and Mondays” about his mother. The opening line “Talking to myself and feeling old” is apparently in reference to her habit of talking to herself constantly. Hearing the music and the stories directly from the person who created such iconic and beautiful music is a real gift.

Paul Williams played for only five days at the Empire Plush Room through Oct. 8. Tickets for upcoming performances are available by calling 866-468-3399 or at www.empireplushroom.com