Paul Anka: A Timeless Icon’s Seven Decades on the Charts
There was a distinct feeling of autumn in the air as fans gathered at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, California, for a chance to step back in time with Paul Anka. He was the soundtrack to an era defined by drive-ins and backseat romance, a genuine teen idol who understood the desires of his generation because he was one. “I’ve been in show business since I was about 10 years old,” he reflects.
Today, Anka is a remarkably youthful 84 years old. And when the lights dim, the energy in the room soars. His enduring appeal isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a testament to his remarkable staying power. Anka has graced the Billboard Hot 100 chart for an astonishing seven consecutive decades – a feat few artists can claim.
Reinvention and Resilience
Anka hasn’t simply endured; he’s continually reinvented himself. He seamlessly transitioned from a ’50s teen sensation to a classic crooner, performing alongside legends like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. in the 1960s. This ability to adapt and evolve has been key to his longevity.
“When you start as a kid with a squeaky little voice, not knowing what’s going to happen when it changes, I couldn’t envision being around for all these decades,” he admits. But he is, and he’s thriving.
Navigating Fame and Staying Grounded
Anka acknowledges the challenges of early fame. “It was very difficult to go from a modest background in a small town to being famous and a celebrity. Frankly, I kept saying, ‘How do I not become an a******?'” he recalls with a wry smile. He credits his upbringing and a keen awareness of the pitfalls of celebrity culture for keeping him grounded.
His experiences with the Rat Pack and the Las Vegas scene offered valuable lessons. Observing the health consequences of his peers’ lifestyles – the constant smoking and drinking – led him to prioritize his own well-being. “I never became a smoker. I never became a big drinker,” he states. He embraces a health-conscious lifestyle, including a daily dose of olive oil and lemon.
A Prolific Songwriter
Beyond his own hits, Anka is a prolific songwriter, responsible for classics penned for other artists. Buddy Holly’s “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” and Tom Jones’ “She’s a Lady” both bear his creative stamp. He even collaborated with Michael Jackson, a long-forgotten demo from the 1980s resurfacing as “Love Never Felt So Good” after Jackson’s passing in 2009.
In 2020, Anka’s music experienced a resurgence when Doja Cat sampled his “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” in her song “Freak,” sparking a viral TikTok trend. This demonstrates his music’s enduring appeal across generations.
The Legacy of “My Way”
However, it’s the song he wrote for Frank Sinatra that remains his most iconic contribution. Sinatra, contemplating retirement, inspired Anka to pen the lyrics to “My Way.” “It started to write itself,” Anka explains. The song not only became a signature tune for Sinatra but also extended his career by a decade. He also wrote “Let Me Try Again” for Sinatra.
Family and the Future
These days, Anka prioritizes family. He cherishes his nine grandchildren, including those from his daughter Amanda and her husband, actor Jason Bateman. While acknowledging that he’ll eventually need to slow down, he intends to do so on his own terms. “When it’s time for my body to say enough, I’ll know,” he says. “I’m playing with the house’s money now. I’m one lucky guy!”
You can stream Paul Anka’s latest album, “Inspirations of Life and Love” on Spotify.
Story produced by Aria Shavelson. Editor: Steven Tyler.
