Paul Albert Anka OC is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter, and entertainer whose career has spanned over six decades. With an extraordinary talent for songwriting and performing, Anka has left an indelible mark on the music industry. This biography explores his life, career, and contributions to the world of music.
Anka was good friends with the American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson in his earlier years, and collaborated in 1980 during the artist's stay at Anka's house. Their collaborations were later released as "This Is It", "Love Never Felt So Good" and "Don't Matter to Me".
Biography[]
Born on July 30, 1941, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada to parents of Lebanese and Syrian descent. He showed an early interest in music, learning to play the piano and guitar as a child. At the age of 14, Anka wrote his first hit song, "Diana," which catapulted him to international stardom. This remarkable achievement marked the beginning of a prolific career in music.
Anka's gift for songwriting set him apart in the industry. In addition to "Diana," he penned numerous hits for himself and other artists. His songwriting prowess extended to composing for Frank Sinatra, with the iconic "My Way" becoming one of Sinatra's signature songs. Anka's songwriting contributions earned him respect and recognition as one of the era's most talented lyricists.
As a performer, Paul Anka achieved a string of chart-topping hits throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His smooth voice and charismatic stage presence made him a beloved figure in the world of pop music. Notable songs include "Put Your Head on My Shoulder," "Lonely Boy," and "Puppy Love." Anka's ability to connect with his audience ensured his longevity in the industry.
Anka's career underwent a successful evolution as he transitioned into different musical styles, from pop to adult contemporary to jazz. His adaptability allowed him to remain relevant across generations. He continued to release albums and tour, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Beyond music, Paul Anka ventured into acting and entertainment. He appeared in movies and television shows and hosted various programs. His charisma and showmanship extended beyond the stage and recording studio, solidifying his status as a multi-talented entertainer.
Throughout his career, Paul Anka received numerous awards and accolades, including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His contributions to the music industry and entertainment world have been celebrated by peers and fans alike.
Anka's personal life has also attracted attention, with notable relationships and marriages. His life journey, marked by success, fame, and personal experiences, has added depth to his public persona.
Paul Anka's enduring career is a testament to his exceptional talent, versatility, and dedication to the world of music and entertainment. His contributions as a singer, songwriter, and entertainer have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his timeless songs continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Paul Anka remains a true icon in the annals of popular music, with a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of artists and music lovers.
Friendship with Michael Jackson[]
Jackson and Anka
| “ | I first met Michael Jackson when he was a very young boy. I knew he was immensely talented… and I began to think about collaborating with him. | ” |
–Paul Anka, Michael Jackson's XSCAPE - The Collaborators Pt. 4[1] | ||
Anka and Jackson shared a friendship that went beyond music. Their partnership and creative synergy left a lasting legacy in the world of pop music, and their collaborations continue to be celebrated by fans and music enthusiasts alike.
Work[]
As Michael's solo career was beginning to skyrocket, in 1980 Anka invited Jackson to his house in Monterey County, California for two weeks, and the duo began writing together. They ultimately crafted three songs; "I Never Heard", "It Don't Matter to Me" and "Love Never Felt So Good".
| “ | We spent a lot of time in my studio, and the process was very, very exciting for me… I was very impressed with the way he went about the writing process. He knew how to make his way around a song, not only because he had an incredible vocal quality, but he also had a capacity to make complicated singing licks from an initial one-finger tune played for him on the piano. | ” |
–Michael Jackson's XSCAPE - The Collaborators Pt. 4[1] | ||
Long after their collaborative sessions wrapped, just as Anka was working on his album Walk a Fine Line, Jackson was busy with the release of Thriller, and couldn't manage to get in contact to finish their songs. As Paul also discovered, either Michael or "those around him" took tapes with their songs from the studio. According to him, "it almost got into a legal issue, but they returned the tapes."[2] In the end, the two never finished their work. However, they did stay on good terms, and had a small reunion in 1983. A year later, Johnny Mathis released his rewritten rendition of "Love Never Felt So Good", but the other two tracks stayed unreleased for years to come.
Following Jackson's death in 2009, all of the songs would eventually be released in one way or another; "I Never Heard", retitled to "This Is It" was reworked by John McClain and Mervyn Warren, and released as a promotional single for the concert documentary of the same name. In 2013, Anka released another version of the song for his album Duets, where him and Jackson finally both sang on the track. "Love Never Felt So Good" was remixed in 2010 by McClain and Giorgio Tuinfort. Although this mix did not initially make it on the Michael album, it was later released in 2014 on Xscape. "It Don't Matter to Me" was delivered to the Canadian artist Drake, retitled to "Don't Matter to Me", and released in 2018 as a collaboration between him and Jackson.
Overall, Paul Anka recalls Michael Jackson as "very professional, knew what he wanted, and he was just like a sponge. He loved the business and he wanted to be number one. And he was a very talented guy to work with. I’ve worked with a lot of them, but he had something very, very special. This was a very unique talent."[3]
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Trivia[]
- Following Michael's passing, Paul Anka performed This Is It live on multiple occasions, utilizing an alternate vocal take. This version originates from the demo snippet played during a 2009 interview on The View and was later repurposed for the 2013 rendition featured on Duets.