![Singer Paul Anka](https://www.onthisday.com/images/people/paul-anka.jpg?w=360)
Profession: Singer
Biography: Paul Anka is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter, and actor who achieved significant success as a teen idol in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Anka's career took off in 1957 with the release of his debut single, "Diana," which he wrote for a girl he had a crush on. The song became an international hit, rocketing the young singer to stardom. Over the years, he continued to produce chart-topping hits like "Lonely Boy," "Put Your Head on My Shoulder," and "Puppy Love."
In addition to his own recordings, Paul Anka has penned songs for numerous other artists, often demonstrating his versatility as a songwriter. One of his most notable compositions is "My Way," which he adapted from a French song and provided with new lyrics specifically for Frank Sinatra. The song became one of Sinatra's signature tunes and has been covered by countless artists.
Born: July 30, 1941
Birthplace: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Age: 82 years old
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Snake
Star Sign: Leo
Married Life
- 2016-10-22 Legendary Canadian-American singer and songwriter Paul Anka (75) weds Lisa Pemberton at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles
Historical Events
- 1957-09-09 "Diana" by Paul Anka reaches #1
- 1957-12-26 Alan Freed's "Christmas Show of Stars", featuring the Everly Brothers, Paul Anka; Fats Domino, and Jerry Lee Lewis, opens at the Paramount Theatre, NYC; runs for 14 performances
- 1958-09-08 Paul Anka opens Asian tour in Tokyo
- 1968-12-30 Frank Sinatra first records "My Way" with lyrics were written by Paul Anka and based on the French song "Comme d'habitude"
- 1971-03-25 Tom Jones' cover version of Paul Anka's "She's a Lady" goes gold