Paul Anka is one of the greatest song writers, hit making singers, composers, and entertainers of all time. Millions of people around the world hum along with his works, which include "My Way," "Put Your Head On My Shoulders," and the theme from the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, among others.
Now here's something that many of those millions of fans don't know — Anka is also an Arab American. He was born in Ottawa, Canada, in 1941, of Syrian and Lebanese parents. At the age of 14, he came with his family to Los Angeles, and matured into adulthood amid the music and the entertainment business of Hollywood, teaching himself to play piano along the way.
He now has more than 50 years in show business and millions of fans around the world. He has achieved unprecedented success in every venue of music and entertainment: Stage, screen, television, and recording. His musical compositions are internationally known and have been recorded by the greatest names in the entertainment industry. A total of 18 of his songs have sold more than 1 million records. Counting LPs and singles, his sales top 90 million. Indeed, Anka set a milestone by being the only artist in history to have a record on Billboard's Top 50 charts in six consecutive decades, according to Billboard Magazine. The same publication named Anka one of the most successful artists in history, putting him alongside musical greats such as Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
Anka's contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him numerous awards and special recognition. He's performed for heads of state and been honored by the French government, which awarded him the title Chevalier In The Order Of Arts and Letters. Anka has been elected to the Songwriter's Hall Of Fame by the National Academy of Popular Music. His latest work — the 123 album of his illustrious career — includes a song that that must be closest to his heart — a moving rendition of "Do I Love You" with his daughter, Anthea.
Caterina Heiek is a writer for Arab-American Affairs Magazine
Photo from Jazz at Lincoln Center
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