Paul Anka
Paul Anka: A Legendary Singer-Songwriter and Entertainer
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Paul Ralph Anka was born on July 30, 1941, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
#### Birth and Death Dates
July 30, 1941 – present
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, actor, and record producer
#### Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of Greek-Italian descent, Paul Anka's early life was marked by a strong love for music. His father, Andrew Anka, owned a small restaurant in Ottawa where local musicians would perform, exposing young Paul to various genres of music. Anka began writing his own songs at the age of 10 and was inspired by artists such as Perry Como and Bing Crosby.
#### Major Accomplishments
At just 15 years old, Anka became one of the youngest songwriters to have a hit single with "Diana," which reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This success led to a string of hits throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, including "Lonely Boy" and "Put Your Head on My Shoulder." As a singer-songwriter, Anka has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has been inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Anka is perhaps most famous for writing the iconic song "(You're) Having My Baby," which was recorded by Elton John but made famous by Paul Anka himself. He also wrote the theme songs for several popular TV shows, including "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "Happy Together." As a performer, Anka has toured extensively throughout his career, headlining in some of the world's most prestigious venues.
#### Impact and Legacy
Paul Anka's impact on music and entertainment cannot be overstated. With a career spanning over six decades, he has been a constant presence in the industry, influencing generations of artists with his timeless songs and style. His legacy extends beyond his own music to his role as a songwriter for other notable artists.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Paul Anka is widely quoted and remembered due to his incredible body of work and enduring impact on popular culture. As one of the most successful singer-songwriters of all time, he has left an indelible mark on music history. His unique voice and signature style have made him a beloved figure among fans worldwide.
Quotes by Paul Anka
As long as you’re growing in your profession and you’re respected, you’re going to stay as clean as you can, because you’ve got something that you love that you don’t want to lose.
The technology is good and it’s bad. You know what you’re dealing with out there musically, but my head stops at this electronic stuff. I don’t quite know what I’m dealing with out there yet.
I don’t think you can get an idea of what Israel is like until you get here. People don’t realize what a great place it is.
Canada is a good country to be from. It has a gentler slower pace – it lends perspective.
You know, my grandmother used to say, ‘While I’m down here planning, God’s up there laughing.’ I guess the thing with most things that are worthwhile is that you can’t give up easily. You’ve got to hang in.
I had this talent for these stupid little teenage songs. I just couldn’t get anyone to sing my songs, so I had to sing my own tunes.
I’ve lived a life that’s full, I traveled each and ev’ry highway, And more, much more than this, I did it my way.
There were times, I’m sure you knew, when I bit off more than I could chew. But through it all, when there was doubt, I ate it up and spit it out.
The main thing with Paul, because I've played with him for 14 years ... is that the energy that he puts into his show is intense. He doesn't take anything off the stage when he's done. He's left it all on that stage. Paul is the real thing.
I've lived a life that's full, I traveled each and ev'ry highway, And more, much more than this, I did it my way.