**Paul Williams** (May 19, 1948 – March 27, 2013) was an influential American music journalist and writer, best known for his pioneering work in rock music criticism. He created the first national US magazine dedicated to this genre, “Crawdaddy!”, in January 1966 while studying at Swarthmore College. With the support of fellow science fiction enthusiasts, Williams produced the magazine’s inaugural issue, which consisted of ten mimeographed pages entirely penned by him. Although he departed from “Crawdaddy!” in 1968, he later reclaimed the title in 1993, ultimately concluding its run in 2003 due to financial challenges.

As a Manifesting Generator in Human Design, Williams embodied a unique blend of creativity and responsiveness, characterized by his Sacral Inner Authority. This allowed him to thrive in the fast-paced world of music journalism, where he could respond to the evolving landscape of rock music with agility and insight. His 5/1 Profile suggests a natural inclination toward investigation and teaching, making him a respected authority on the works of iconic musicians such as Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, and Neil Young, as well as notable science fiction writers like Philip K. Dick and Theodore Sturgeon.

Throughout his career, Williams authored over 25 books, with his most notable titles including “Outlaw Blues,” “Das Energi,” and the acclaimed three-part series “Bob Dylan: Performing Artist.” His last work, “The 20th Century’s Greatest Hits,” showcased his ability to curate and evaluate cultural milestones across various media.

In 1981, Williams edited and published the first book edition of “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” featuring a foreword by former President Jimmy Carter. His friendship with Philip K. Dick began in August 1968 at the 26th World Science Fiction Convention, leading to a deep collaboration that included interviewing Dick for Rolling Stone magazine in 1974. As Dick’s literary executor, Williams played a crucial role in bringing several unpublished works to light, further solidifying his legacy in the literary world.

From 1983 to 1992, Williams co-ran the Philip K. Dick Society with Keith Bowden in the UK, which became a significant platform for promoting Dick’s work internationally. The society published 30 quarterly newsletters, including previously unpublished material.

Williams’s contributions to literature and music were recognized through his participation in documentaries about Dick, such as the 1994 BBC2 production “Arena – Philip K Dick: A Day in the Afterlife” and the 2007 film “The Penultimate Truth About Philip K. Dick.”

In his personal life, Williams experienced three marriages and had three children. He passed away on March 27, 2013, at the age of 64, due to complications from a bicycle accident he suffered in 1995. His legacy as a Manifesting Generator continues to inspire those in the fields of music and literature, reflecting his ability to respond to the world around him with creativity and insight.