Paul Anka
Paul Anka can trace quite a career trajectory: from '50s teen heartthrob crooning "Puppy Love" to Las Vegas mainstay, from composer of Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" theme to singer-songwriter of "Having My Baby."
Anka — a native of Ottawa — scored 33 Top 40 hits, 24 between 1957 and 1963.
Anka wrote the lyrics for Frank Sinatra's signature song, "My Way," recorded in 1968 and as writer of Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" theme, the Beverly Hills resident has earned enough royalties to keep him financially comfortable.
Anka has always had his detractors. He's been dismissed by critics who view him as the bland alternative to more galvanic rock 'n' roll pioneers who emerged during the 1950s. While Elvis delivered incendiary rockers such as "Hound Dog," Anka crooned sentimental tear-jerkers such as "Puppy Love."
He established an overseas fan base early in his career and has recorded albums in French, Italian, Spanish, German and Japanese.
"From '57 on, I've never stopped performing internationally," Anka said in 1999. "I didn't want to be just a domestic act. I didn't want to overplay myself here. Elvis wouldn't [perform in overseas markets]. Very few of us did at that time. I like the fact that my music is listened to by people in different cultures all over the world."
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