Paul Anka Net Worth

The Enduring Legacy of Paul Anka: Net Worth, Career, and Personal Life

Paul Anka: A Multifaceted Icon

Paul Anka, the celebrated Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor, has captivated audiences for over six decades. Beyond his impressive net worth of $80 million, his influence on the music industry and popular culture is undeniable. This article delves into the life and career of Paul Anka, exploring his financial success, musical achievements, acting endeavors, and personal life.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, in 1941, Paul Anka’s musical journey began early. His parents, Camelia and Andrew Anka, instilled in him a strong cultural heritage with Lebanese and Syrian roots. His early training included singing in the St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral choir and studying piano under the guidance of Winnifred Rees. During his high school years at Fisher Park High School, Anka was a member of the vocal trio, the Bobby Soxers. At the tender age of 14, he recorded his first single, marking the start of his professional music career.

The Rise to Fame: Diana and Teen Idol Status

In 1956, a pivotal moment arrived when Anka traveled to New York City to audition for Don Costa at ABC Records. The song he performed, “Diana,” would become his breakthrough hit. Released in 1957, “Diana” soared to the top of both the U.S. and Canadian music charts, establishing him as a teen idol and one of the best-selling Canadian artists of all time. His success continued in 1958 with a string of chart-topping singles, including “It’s Time to Cry” and “(All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings.” At just 17, Anka’s popularity led him to tour the UK and Australia, where he shared the stage with music legends like Buddy Holly.

Songwriting Prowess: Beyond the Hits

Paul Anka’s talent extends far beyond his vocal performances. He is a prolific songwriter, having penned over 900 songs. His compositions have resonated with audiences across generations and genres. One of his most notable achievements is writing the English lyrics for Frank Sinatra’s signature song, “My Way.” He also composed the music for Tom Jones’s hit “She’s a Lady” and the iconic theme music for “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” Furthermore, Anka co-wrote Michael Jackson’s hits “This Is It” and “Love Never Felt So Good,” demonstrating his ability to adapt and collaborate across musical eras.

Career Transformation: The 1970s and 80s

The 1970s marked a period of transformation for Anka’s career. He signed with Buddah Records, releasing albums like “Paul Anka” and “Jubilation.” While his version of “She’s a Lady” did not chart, Tom Jones’s rendition of the song became a global success. Anka later partnered with United Artists. His collaboration with Odia Coates in 1974 resulted in the number-one hit “(You’re) Having My Baby.” They followed it up with other successful duets, including “One Man Woman/One Woman Man” and “I Don’t Like to Sleep Alone.” Anka’s songwriting talent continued to shine. He created the jingle “Times of Your Life” for Kodak, which he later transformed into a full song. Other hits from this era include “Anytime (I’ll Be There)” and “Hold Me ‘Til the Mornin’ Comes,” the latter being his last top 40 hit in the US.

Later Career and Collaborations

In the late 1990s and 2000s, Anka continued to release new music. In 1998, he released “A Body of Work,” which featured collaborations with Patti LaBelle, Celine Dion, and Kenny G. He then explored big-band arrangements of modern rock songs on the album “Rock Swings” (2005). Subsequent albums like “Songs of December” and “Duets” further showcased his versatility and enduring appeal.

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Venturing into Acting

Alongside his musical achievements, Paul Anka has also pursued an acting career. He appeared in films like “Let’s Rock,” “Verboten!,” and “The Longest Day.” He made guest appearances on television shows like the “Perry Mason” movie “The Case of the Maligned Mobster” and the “Simpsons.” He even played a version of himself in the series “Gilmore Girls.”

(Photo by Gie Knaeps/Getty Images)

Personal Life and Relationships

Paul Anka’s personal life has also garnered public attention. He was married to Anne de Zogheb from 1963 to 2001, and they had five daughters: Amelia, Anthea, Alicia, Amanda, and Alexandra. Amanda is married to actor Jason Bateman. In 2008, Anka married Swedish model and actress Anna Åberg, who was also his personal trainer. They divorced in 2010, and Anka took full custody of their son. In 2016, he married Lisa Pemberton.

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Conclusion: Paul Anka’s Lasting Impact

Paul Anka’s journey is a testament to his remarkable talent and adaptability. From his teen idol days to his continued relevance in the music industry, Anka has left an indelible mark. His songwriting, singing, and acting have solidified his place as a cultural icon whose impact continues to be felt. His impressive net worth reflects his financial success, which is a result of his contributions to music and entertainment.