Paul Anka started

young.

He began his

singing and songwriting career by entering amateur contests and sneaking

into clubs. He left his home in Ottawa to travel to New York, armed with

a song about an older girl that he loved.

The song was

"Diana" and it started him on an amazing journey. It was his

first hit and before he turned 18, Anka would have five more under his

belt.

Many of Anka's

early songs dealt with the wonders of romance. "Puppy Love,"

"Lonely Boy," and "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" are

all slow dance classics. Their success set the stage for his future successes,

which include a 40-year career filled with many honors and accolades,

ventures onto the silver and television screens and a place in pop music

history.

Anka has had

a song on the Billboard Top 50 charts for five consecutive decades. He

was named the 21st most successful artist in Billboard's history, putting

him beside artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles. His songs have

been performed well over 90 million times worldwide, by artists such as

Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and Buddy Holly. One of his most famous works

was the theme for "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," which

was played on the first show in 1962 and every night thereafter.

He has recorded

124 albums and has performed all over the world. In addition to his performances

for heads of state, he also has received the Chevalier in the Order of

Arts and Letters from the French government. Anka was also recently elected

into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. His most recent album, "All For

One," is full of duets Anka performed with a number of artists including

Celene Dion, Kenny G, Peter Cetera and Frank Sinatra.

Anka is a very

busy man. He is always touring, recording new albums, working on a new

biographical video project and working as co-owner of the NHL's Ottawa

Senators.

He will perform

at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.

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