Paul Anka: The Iconic Singer And Songwriter

How Much Is Paul Anka Worth?

Paul Anka OC, the legendary Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor, boasts a staggering net worth of $80 million. Born in Ottawa, Anka made a name for himself in the late 1950s with chart-topping hits like "Diana," "Lonely Boy," and "Put Your Head on My Shoulder." This early success cemented his status as a teenage idol. What’s remarkable about Anka is his ability to adapt to the ever-changing music industry, transitioning from rock and roll to adult contemporary and beyond. With a catalog of over 900 songs, his work includes timeless classics such as "My Way" (written for Frank Sinatra), "She's a Lady" (Tom Jones), and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" theme. Even later in his career, Anka collaborated with Michael Jackson on "This Is It" and "Love Never Felt So Good." Fun fact: Paul's son-in-law is none other than actor Jason Bateman, who married his daughter Amanda Anka.

Early Days and the Start of a Musical Journey

Paul Anka was born on July 30, 1941, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. His parents, Camelia and Andrew Anka, were of Lebanese Christian descent, with his mother immigrating from Lebanon and his father from Syria. Growing up, Paul developed a passion for music, singing in the St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral choir and taking piano lessons from Winnifred Rees. While attending Fisher Park High School, he joined a vocal trio called the Bobby Soxers. At just 14 years old, Anka recorded his first single, "I Confess," showcasing his remarkable talent at such a young age.

The Road to Stardom

In 1956, a bold 15-year-old Anka traveled to New York City to audition for Don Costa at ABC Records. He performed "Diana," a song inspired by his first love, and it quickly became a massive hit. Released in 1957, "Diana" soared to the top of the charts in both the U.S. and Canada, becoming one of the best-selling singles by a Canadian artist. The following year, Anka released several top 20 hits, including "It's Time to Cry" (peaking at #4) and "(All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings" (reaching #15). By the tender age of 17, Anka was already a household name and a teen idol. His career expanded globally, with tours in the UK and Australia, where he performed alongside the legendary Buddy Holly. Anka even wrote Holly's last recorded song, "It Doesn't Matter Anymore," before Holly's tragic death in 1959.

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Throughout the late '50s and early '60s, Anka continued to leave his mark on the music industry. He crafted the iconic theme for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," penned "Teddy" for Connie Francis, and wrote the English lyrics for Sinatra's "My Way." Anka also ventured into acting and songwriting for films, including "Lonely Boy" for "Girls Town" and the theme for the war epic "The Longest Day." However, the British Invasion of the '60s posed a challenge, leading Anka to focus on contemporary standards and big-band performances, often gracing the stages of Las Vegas casinos.

Revival in the '70s and '80s

By the early '70s, Anka signed with Buddah Records and released two albums, "Paul Anka" and "Jubilation." One standout track, "She's a Lady," became a massive hit when Welsh singer Tom Jones covered it in 1971. After a decade without a top 25 hit, Anka made a triumphant return in 1974 by signing with United Artists. Collaborating with singer Odia Coates, he achieved a #1 hit with "(You're) Having My Baby." The duo continued their success with "One Man Woman/One Woman Man" and "I Don't Like to Sleep Alone," both cracking the top 10. Another duet, "(I Believe) There's Nothing Stronger Than Our Love," reached #15. In 1975, Anka created a memorable jingle for Kodak, "Times of Your Life," which he transformed into a full song, hitting #7 on the U.S. pop chart. His writing prowess also shone through with "Anytime (I'll Be There)" for Sinatra and "Hold Me 'Til the Mornin' Comes," his final top 40 hit in the U.S. in 1983.

Continued Success in the '90s and 2000s

In 1998, Anka released "A Body of Work," his first American studio album since 1983's "Walk a Fine Line." Collaborating with artists like Patti LaBelle, Celine Dion, and Kenny G, the album revitalized his career. In 2005, he delivered "Rock Swings," an album featuring big-band arrangements of modern rock songs. Anka also released "Songs of December," which charted at #58 in Canada, and "Duets" in 2013, further showcasing his versatility.

Acting Ventures

Paul Anka's talents extend beyond music into acting. He appeared in films such as "Let's Rock," "Verboten!," "Girls Town," "The Private Lives of Adam & Eve," and "Look in Any Window." His first major film role came in 1962's "The Longest Day," where he played an army private. Later, Anka guest-starred in the Perry Mason TV movie "The Case of the Maligned Mobster" and portrayed a yacht broker in the comedy "Captain Ron." In 1995, he voiced himself in "The Simpsons" Halloween special, "Treehouse of Horror," and appeared in the ensemble film "Mad Dog Time." Anka's acting credits also include roles in "3000 Miles to Graceland," the NBC series "Las Vegas," and the dramedy "Gilmore Girls," where he played a fictionalized version of himself.

Personal Relationships and Family Life

Paul Anka's personal life is as rich as his career. From 1963 to 2001, he was married to Anne de Zogheb, the daughter of a Lebanese diplomat. Together, they have five daughters: Amelia, Anthea, Alicia, Amanda, and Alexandra. Amanda Anka is married to actor Jason Bateman. In 2008, Anka married Swedish model and actress Anna Åberg, who was previously his personal trainer. However, they divorced in 2010, with Anka gaining full custody of their son. In 2016, he tied the knot with Lisa Pemberton in Beverly Hills, continuing his journey in love and family.

Real Estate Ventures

Paul Anka's real estate portfolio includes a stunning 6,000-square-foot mansion in Westlake Village, California. He purchased this property in April 2007 for $3.9 million and listed it for sale in August 2024 at a significantly higher price of $10 million, reflecting his savvy investments and appreciation for luxury living.

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