Paul Anka

Biography

Paul Anka was born on July 30, 1941, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, to Lebanese-Syrian immigrant parents. He developed a passion for music early on, singing in his church choir and teaching himself to play piano and guitar. Anka formed a vocal group called the Bobbysoxers and began writing his own songs, blending influences from his Middle Eastern heritage and contemporary popular music. At 15, he traveled to New York City to pursue a music career, where his original song 'Diana' caught the attention of record executives, leading to a contract with ABC-Paramount Records. This marked the beginning of his rise to international fame as a teen idol and prolific songwriter. 'Diana' became a massive hit, selling over 20 million copies, and Anka continued his success with hits like 'Lonely Boy' and 'Put Your Head on My Shoulder.' As the 1960s progressed, Anka transitioned from teen idol to a successful songwriter, writing for artists like Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones. He penned iconic songs such as 'My Way' and 'She's a Lady.' Anka's career spans over six decades, with achievements including writing the theme song for 'The Tonight Show' and collaborating with Michael Jackson on 'Love Never Felt So Good.' In 2013, Anka released his autobiography, 'My Way,' and a duets album featuring artists like Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson. Anka's legacy is marked by his versatility and enduring impact on popular music.

Fun Facts

• Paul Anka was the youngest entertainer to perform at the Copacabana.
• He wrote the last song Buddy Holly ever recorded, 'It Doesn't Matter Anymore'.
• Anka's song 'Diana' sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
• He became the only artist to have a CD on the Billboard Top 100 Chart for seven consecutive decades with his album 'Duets'.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Family and Local Influences - Early support and cultural background (None) [Early life]

Key Collaborators

• Frank Sinatra - Songwriting collaboration (My Way) [1960s]
• Tom Jones - Songwriting collaboration (She's a Lady) [1960s-1970s]
• Michael Jackson - Collaboration on 'Love Never Felt So Good' (Xscape) [2014]

Artists Influenced

• Michael Bublé - Early career support and collaboration (Self-titled album in 2003) [Early 2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Put Your Head On My Shoulder
2. Put Your Head On My Shoulder - Remastered (Paul Anka Sings His Big 15 (Remastered))
3. Puppy Love - Remastered (Paul Anka Sings His Big 15 (Remastered))
4. Put Your Head on My Shoulder (Sings His Favorites)
5. Diana - Remastered (Paul Anka Sings His Big 15 (Remastered))
6. Diana (Sings His Favorites)
7. Think I'm In Love Again (with Gloria Estefan) (Duets)
8. Pennies From Heaven (with Michael Bublé) (Duets)
9. My Way (with Paul Anka)
10. I Don't Like To Sleep Alone (Feelings)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #canadian, #jazz