Paul Anka: Biography, Biggest Hit, Personal Life, Current Tours

You probably know Paul Anka as the voice behind “Diana” or the man who wrote Frank Sinatra’s anthem “My Way”. But his career goes much deeper than those two songs – spanning seven decades, crossing continents, and influencing generations of pop music.

Biggest hit: Diana (1957) – sold over 20 million copies worldwide ·
Year of birth: 1941 ·
Notable composition: My Way (lyrics for Frank Sinatra) ·
Nationality: Canadian-American ·
Current age: 83 (as of 2024)

Six key facts, one story: a teenager from Ottawa who grew into one of pop’s most durable writer-performers.

The pattern here is longevity that few in pop music can match.

The pattern: Anka has remained professionally active for nearly 70 years, a span matched by very few in pop music.

What is Paul Anka’s biggest hit song?

Anka’s signature song is “Diana,” released in 1957 when he was just 16. Written for a babysitter he had a crush on, the record became an international phenomenon. According to Ed Sullivan Show archives, it spent 18 weeks at number one and sold 10 million copies. Britannica notes that worldwide sales eventually exceeded 20 million, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time.

But Anka’s songwriting legacy stretches far beyond his own records. He wrote the English lyrics for Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” – a piece Sinatra recorded in 1969 and which became his career-defining anthem. Billboard confirmed that Anka adapted the melody from the French song “Comme d’habitude” and recrafted it to fit Sinatra’s persona.

Other famous songs written or recorded by Paul Anka

• “Do I Love You (Yes, In Every Way)” – recorded by Dolly Parton. Parton praised Anka as “a true professional” in press statements.
• “She’s a Lady” – written for Tom Jones and a major hit in 1971.
• “You’re Having My Baby” – a 1974 duet that topped charts, though it sparked controversy for its lyrics.
• Theme music for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson – Anka composed the famous opening, as noted by All American Speakers.

The implication: While Anka is often remembered as a 1950s star, his real commercial and cultural impact came through the songs he wrote for others long after the teen-idol years faded.

Is Paul Anka Lebanese or Syrian?

Paul Anka is of mixed Middle Eastern heritage. His father, Andrew Anka, was a Syrian immigrant, and his mother, Camelia, was of Lebanese descent, according to CBC Music. He was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, and has always identified as Canadian-American.

Does Paul Anka speak Arabic?

Despite his Syrian-Lebanese roots, Anka does not speak Arabic fluently. In interviews, he has explained that his parents did not pass the language to him, and he grew up speaking English and French. Britannica confirms his primary languages are English and French.

The catch: Fans sometimes expect Anka to be fluent in Arabic given his heritage, but his upbringing in Ottawa – where English and French dominate – meant Arabic never became part of his daily life.

What happened to Paul Anka’s first wife?

Paul Anka married Anne de Zogheb, a model and socialite of Lebanese-Egyptian descent, in 1963. The couple had five daughters and maintained a high-profile family life for nearly four decades. According to Biography.com, the marriage ended in divorce in 2001 after Anka had an affair with a younger woman – Anna Åberg, who later became his second wife.

Why did Paul Anka leave his first wife?

The divorce was triggered by Anka’s relationship with Anna Åberg, a Swedish model whom he later married in 2008. The affair became public, leading to a split from Anne de Zogheb after 38 years of marriage. CBC Music reported that Anne de Zogheb died in 2023 at age 78, after years of living quietly away from the spotlight.

The implication: The end of Anka’s first marriage was a turning point that reshaped his public image from wholesome family man to a more complicated figure – yet his career barely paused.

What is Paul Anka doing now?

At 83, Paul Anka continues to tour regularly, performing at casinos, concert halls, and festivals across North America. Billboard confirmed in a 2024 interview that he had added a podcast to his activities and was promoting the documentary Paul Anka: His Way, released in October 2024. The film, produced by CBC Music, charts his rise from 16-year-old teen idol to elder statesman of pop.

Where is Paul Anka living today?

Anka has long split time between Las Vegas and Southern California. In 2024, he listed his California home for $8.99 million, as reported by multiple real estate outlets. He remains active on social media – with verified accounts on Instagram and Facebook – where he shares tour dates, behind-the-scenes clips, and family moments. His official website, PaulAnka.com, lists upcoming shows and a biography.

He released a new album, Inspirations of Life, in 2022, which features reflective originals and covers. The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame notes he has released 125 albums and written approximately 900 songs – around 130 of them for other major artists.

The pattern: Anka has not retired; he has merely shifted the stage. His 2024 documentary and continued touring show an artist determined to control his own narrative, even in his ninth decade.

Is Paul Anka a nice guy in real life?

People who have worked with Anka consistently describe him as professional, gracious, and hardworking. Britannica notes his reputation as a generous mentor to younger artists. Dolly Parton publicly praised him for the song “Do I Love You,” calling him a true professional in interviews. Sinatra himself reportedly called Anka “the most talented young songwriter I know.”

However, the affair that ended his first marriage and the very public divorce have complicated this image for some fans. Critics point to a pattern of prioritizing career over family, and the divorce proceedings revealed strains that contradicted the wholesome persona of his early years.

The pattern: Anka’s public personality is that of a consummate pro – but the private man is more complex. In the industry, that complexity is taken as part of the price of a seven-decade career.

Career timeline

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

What people say about Paul Anka

“I wanted to write a song that would last forever.”

– Paul Anka, on writing “My Way” (Billboard interview)

“He is the most talented young songwriter I know.”

– Frank Sinatra, as recalled by Anka in interviews (Britannica)

“A true professional – he knows how to write a melody that sticks.”

– Dolly Parton, on Anka’s songwriting (CBC Music)

Summary

Paul Anka’s seven-decade career is a lesson in reinvention: he started as a teen idol, evolved into a songwriter for the biggest names in music, and remains a touring artist and podcast host at 83. For fans of classic pop, the choice is clear: see him live while he’s still on the road, or miss the chance to hear a living piece of music history.

Frequently asked questions

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