One of the biggest classic pop performers, Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Anka moved from teen heartthrob to adult artist with a slew of hits. Born July 30, 1941, in Ottawa Canada, into a tight-knit family, Paul Anka didn’t waste much time getting his life in music started.

One of the biggest teen idols of the late 1950s and early '60s, Paul Anka moved to the adult sphere several years later and became a successful performer, songwriter, music businessman, and recording artist, remaining so well into the new millennium. He had his first hit song with 1957's "Diana," which went to number two on the U.S. Hot 100 and all the way to the top of singles chart in the U.K. Following a string of subsequent hits, he finally topped the U.S. singles chart with 1959's "Lonely Boy". Anka remained a presence on the singles chart with songs like "Puppy Love" and "Dance On Little Girl" until around the time of the British Invasion -- his last Top 40 hit of the '60s was 1963's "Remember Diana."

In the meantime, his songwriting could be heard on hits like Tom Jones' "She's a Lady," Connie Francis' "Teddy," the lyrics to Frank Sinatra's version of "My Way," and the theme to The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, which was used for the program's entire run from 1962 to 1992. Anka's 2013 Duets album reached number 95, his best chart ranking since the '70s. Coinciding with 80th birthday celebrations, he returned with Making Memories in 2021.