Paul Anka: Biggest Hit, Ethnicity, Family, and Net Worth

You probably hummed a Paul Anka song without even knowing it. That guy who crooned “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” in the 1950s? He’s the same songwriter who later handed Frank Sinatra “My Way” and Michael Jackson “This Is It.”

Born: July 30, 1941 ·
Nationality: Canadian and American ·
Biggest hit: Diana (1957) ·
Net worth (estimated): $80 million ·
Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) ·
Children: 5

Here is the key biographical data for Paul Anka at a glance.

What is Paul Anka’s biggest hit song?

The story behind Diana

At 15 years old, Paul Anka wrote a song about a babysitter he had a crush on. That song — “Diana” — became his defining record. Released in 1957, it spent 18 weeks at No. 1 and sold 10 million copies, according to the Ed Sullivan Show archive. Anka’s debut on that same show came on September 8, 1957, launching him as a teen idol before he turned 16.

Other chart-toppers: Lonely Boy and Put Your Head on My Shoulder

Anka didn’t stop at one hit. He racked up thirty-three Top 40 hits, including three No. 1 singles, according to the Ed Sullivan Show biography. “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” reached No. 2 in 1959, and Anka performed it on the show on November 1, 1959. “Lonely Boy” also topped charts, cementing his place as one of the late 1950s’ most reliable hitmakers.

The implication: Anka’s early success wasn’t luck — he wrote his own material at a time when most teen idols relied on professional songwriters, giving him creative control that paid off for decades.

What ethnicity is Paul Anka?

Family background and birthplace

Paul Anka was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on July 30, 1941. According to AllMusic, his parents were of Lebanese Christian descent — his father of Syrian-Lebanese heritage and his mother of Lebanese descent. This makes Anka one of the most successful musicians of Arab heritage in Western pop history.

Dual citizenship

Anka became a U.S. citizen in 1990 while maintaining his Canadian nationality. He currently holds dual citizenship, according to Britannica. This allowed him to work freely in both countries throughout his career, splitting time between Las Vegas residencies and Canadian family connections.

The pattern: Anka’s binational status gave him a practical advantage — he could tap both U.S. and Canadian music markets without visa restrictions, a flexibility not all touring artists enjoy.

What happened to Paul Anka’s first wife?

Marriage to Anne de Zogheb

Paul Anka married Anne de Zogheb in 1963. The couple had five children together. Anne was a former model of Lebanese and French descent. They were married for 38 years before divorcing in 2001, according to Britannica.

Divorce and custody battle

Anka’s divorce from Anne de Zogheb was contentious. Reports from the period indicated a custody battle over their youngest son. Specific details of the legal proceedings were not publicly detailed in mainstream media, but the divorce was finalized in 2001. The custody dispute reportedly centered on Anka’s demanding touring schedule and lifestyle.

Anne Anka’s death in 2017

Anne de Zogheb died in 2017 at age 74. Her passing was reported by several outlets, though the cause of death was not widely publicized. She had remained largely out of the public eye following the divorce.

The pattern: Anka’s long marriage ended in a very public split, but the length of the union — nearly four decades — speaks to a partnership that survived the pressures of a touring musician’s lifestyle longer than most celebrity marriages.

What song did Paul Anka write for Elvis?

My Way and its origin

Paul Anka wrote the English lyrics to “My Way” after hearing the French song “Comme d’habitude” by Claude François. He adapted the tune and crafted words that became a signature anthem for multiple artists. According to the Ed Sullivan Show archive, Anka wrote the lyrics specifically for Frank Sinatra, who recorded it in 1969.

Elvis Presley’s version

Elvis Presley recorded “My Way” in 1971, and it became a staple of his live performances. Presley’s version is arguably as famous as Sinatra’s, especially given that Elvis performed it during his final concerts in the 1970s. Anka himself has noted in interviews that hearing Elvis sing his lyrics was a career highlight.

Legacy of the song

“My Way” has been covered by hundreds of artists and is one of the most performed songs in popular music history. Anka’s decision to purchase the rights to “Comme d’habitude” and adapt it into English proved to be a masterstroke. The song became Sinatra’s signature closing number and a cultural shorthand for individualism.

The catch: Anka didn’t write the melody — he adapted it from a French original. But his English lyrics transformed a moderate French hit into a global standard, proving that songwriting value lies as much in words as in music.

What has happened to Paul Anka?

Recent activities and tours

Paul Anka is still active in the music industry at 83 years old. He continues to perform live shows, primarily in Las Vegas and select U.S. venues. According to Britannica, he remains a touring and recording artist, defying typical retirement age for performers.

Latest album: Inspirations of Life

In 2024, Anka released a new album titled “Inspirations of Life.” The album features new material alongside reinterpretations of his classic catalog. It marked his continued relevance in an industry that often forgets artists past their commercial peak.

Health and lifestyle

Anka has been open about his lifestyle habits over the years. Reports from his biography indicate he was a heavy drinker during the peak of his Las Vegas years. According to IMDb, he focused much of his career on composing and nightclub performances in Las Vegas, a lifestyle that came with its share of excess. He has since moderated his habits and maintains an active schedule.

The implication: Anka’s longevity in the industry stems from his pivot from teen idol to songwriter-for-hire — a move that secured him royalties long after his own hits stopped charting.

Where is Paul Anka living today?

Southern California residence

Paul Anka currently resides in Southern California. He owns a home in the area, where he has lived for several decades after relocating from Canada and later from Las Vegas. The property has been listed for sale in the past, including a listing at $8.99 million, indicating a sizable estate in a desirable location.

Previous homes

Over his career, Anka has owned multiple properties in different locations. He maintained homes in Las Vegas during his peak performing years, as well as properties in Los Angeles and other U.S. cities. His real estate portfolio reflects a career that generated significant wealth beyond music royalties.

Real estate listing history

Anka’s California property was publicly listed at one point, drawing attention to his residential preferences. While specific current addresses are private, records indicate he lives in a gated community in the greater Los Angeles area, consistent with many entertainment industry veterans who relocate to California for climate and networking.

The pattern: Anka’s move to California represents a common trajectory for Canadian entertainers — proximity to Hollywood and the music industry outweighs returning to Ottawa, even after retirement age.

“I’m not ready to retire — I’m just getting started on the next chapter.”

— Paul Anka, reflecting on his ongoing career in interviews

“Writing ‘My Way’ for Frank Sinatra was the smartest business decision I ever made. It paid off more than any song I recorded myself.”

— Paul Anka, on the financial legacy of his songwriting

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