Paul Anka Stole My Heart
A little girl falls in love
In 1973, my parents took me and my brother to see singer/songwriter Paul Anka in concert.
I was only 11 and had no idea who he was. Anka became a teen heartthrob during the 50’s when he wrote and recorded his first hit, “Diana”; he was just 15. He had a string of hits during that time including “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” “Lonely Boy,” and “Puppy Love.” He even had a romance with the famous Mouseketeer, Annette Funicello.
In 1968, Anka rewrote the lyrics to the French song, “Comme d’habitude,” for Frank Sinatra’s supposed retirement. It became Sinatra’s signature song and was recorded by many singers, from Elvis to Willie Nelson. When Sinatra returned to performing, Anka wrote “Let Me Try Again.”
Anka also wrote “She’s A Lady” for Tom Jones, as well as the Tonight Show theme song for Johnny Carson.
The minute Anka began singing, I was hooked. He is a superb showman and very audience-friendly. He went into the crowd while singing “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” and pulled a woman out of the audience and danced with her, with her head on his shoulder.
A screen showing his family was displayed behind him as he performed the famous Kodak commercial song, “Times of Your Life.” Anka also sang his later hits, “You’re Having My Baby” and “Hold Me ’Til The Morning Comes.”His concert was amazing. When the concert was over, there was a receiving line where you could meet Anka and have your picture taken with him. That is the picture you see at the top of this page. I have more than one picture with him, as well as his autograph.
Needless to say, this little girl fell in love with Anka at first sight and sound. I joined a Paul Anka fan club, had a penpal who lived in Ireland, who loved Anka as much as I did, and started a scrapbook. I also made birthday cards for him. I have probably seen Anka in concert at least ten times.
In 2013 Anka wrote his book, My Way: An Autobiography, which, of course, I own. Anka is now 81 and still going strong. He remains a popular entertainer and still performs for his many adoring fans.
