Wednesday, May 30, 2001
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Wednesday, May 30, 2001 |
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Anka brings his legendary musical career to Peachtree City By MICHAEL
BOYLAN
Paul Anka started young. He began his singing and songwriting career by entering amateur contests and sneaking into clubs. He left his home in Ottawa to travel to New York, armed with a song about an older girl that he loved. The song was "Diana" and it started him on an amazing journey. It was his first hit and before he turned 18, Anka would have five more under his belt. Many of Anka's early songs dealt with the wonders of romance. "Puppy Love," "Lonely Boy," and "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" are all slow dance classics. Their success set the stage for his future successes, which include a 40-year career filled with many honors and accolades, ventures onto the silver and television screens and a place in pop music history. Anka has had a song on the Billboard Top 50 charts for five consecutive decades. He was named the 21st most successful artist in Billboard's history, putting him beside artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles. His songs have been performed well over 90 million times worldwide, by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and Buddy Holly. One of his most famous works was the theme for "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," which was played on the first show in 1962 and every night thereafter. He has recorded 124 albums and has performed all over the world. In addition to his performances for heads of state, he also has received the Chevalier in the Order of Arts and Letters from the French government. Anka was also recently elected into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. His most recent album, "All For One," is full of duets Anka performed with a number of artists including Celene Dion, Kenny G, Peter Cetera and Frank Sinatra. Anka is a very busy man. He is always touring, recording new albums, working on a new biographical video project and working as co-owner of the NHL's Ottawa Senators. He will perform at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. |
