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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZANKA, Paul(b 30 July '41, Ottawa) Singer- songwriter, entrepreneur; teen idol proved to be more than just a pretty face. Syrian parents; first disc 'I Confess' '56 on local label after he buttonholed record execs while on Hollywood holiday; paid off when ABC's Don Costa signed him up. 'Diana' no. 1 USA '57; world-wide hit sold 9 million by '61, said to have been written for baby-sitter five years his senior. Precocious teen followed up with other hits, providing a clean-cut alternative to the Elvis Presley ilk. Buddy Holly recorded his 'It Doesn't Matter Any More' '58; 'Puppy Love' '60 (no. 2 USA) was typical mawkish ballad, dedicated to Anka's then girlfriend Annette. Made several screen appearances, notably D-Day epic The Longest Day '62 (also wrote title song). Left ABC for RCA as newer stars eclipsed him, but shrewdly bought his own masters. TV, cabaret work along with writing; wrote 'Johnny's Theme' for Carson Tonight TV show; translation of French singer- songwriter Claude Fran‡ois's lyric gave Frank Sinatra (and Sid Vicious, many others) 'My Way' '68. Legacy in teen stars Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, etc who covered early sentimental hits; but continued to do well on his own: 32 USA top 40 hits '57--83 incl. no. 1 '74 with 'You're Having My Baby', no. 7 with 'One Man Woman'/'One Woman Man', duets with Odia Coates produced in Muscle Shoals; further top ten hits 'I Don't Like To Sleep Alone' and 'Times Of Your Life' '75; top 40 entry 'Hold Me 'Til The Mornin' Comes' '83; last of 19 chart albums was Walk A Fine Line. Compilations incl. two-CD 30th Anniversary Anthology on Rhino. |