Paul Anka: Biography, Biggest Hit, Songs, and Current Life

When a 15-year-old Canadian teenager released a song called “Diana” in 1957, no one could have predicted it would make him a global sensation. That teenager was Paul Anka, and more than six decades later, he’s still writing, performing, and shaping pop music. Here’s a grounded look at his life, his biggest hits, and what he’s up to right now.

Born: July 30, 1941 · Age: 83 (as of 2025) · Biggest hit: “Diana” (1957) sold over 10 million copies · Net worth: Estimated $80 million

The nine core facts below show one pattern: from teen idol to elder statesman of pop.

What is Paul Anka’s biggest hit song?

“Diana” – the breakout hit

Paul Anka’s most famous song is “Diana,” released in 1957 when he was just 16. The single shot to No. 1 on the Billboard charts and remains his highest-charting song according to MusicVF’s chart database. It spent weeks at the top in both the U.S. and the U.K., establishing Anka as a teen idol.

Other chart-topping singles

After “Diana,” Anka followed up with a string of hits that include “Lonely Boy,” “You Are My Destiny,” and “Put Your Head on My Shoulder.” A Spotify compilation titled “Paul Anka Greatest Hits” features 20 tracks, many of which remain streaming staples. MusicVF ranks “Lonely Boy” as his second biggest chart hit, followed by “(You’re) Having My Baby.”

The pattern: Anka’s early work defined the 1950s teen pop sound. His later material shifted to adult contemporary, but “Diana” remains the anchor.

Is Paul Anka Lebanese or Syrian?

Paul Anka’s ethnic background

Paul Anka was born to parents of Lebanese descent. His father, Andrew Anka, and mother, Camelia, emigrated from Lebanon to Canada. According to Wikipedia’s biography (secondary source), Anka’s family roots are firmly Lebanese, not Syrian. He holds both Canadian and American citizenship.

Does he speak Arabic?

Anka has occasionally used Arabic phrases in interviews and performances, but he is not fluent. The singer himself has said he “knows some words” but never became proficient in the language. Given the lack of a strong source, this remains a soft claim.

The implication: his Lebanese heritage is a key part of his identity, even if he didn’t grow up speaking the language.

What is Paul Anka doing now?

Recent projects and tours

In 2025, Anka released a new single titled “I Believe,” part of his album Inspirations of Life and Love, as reported by People (tier‑2 entertainment outlet). He continues to perform live, including a Las Vegas residency. A documentary, Paul Anka: His Way, is set to premiere on HBO on December 1, 2025, according to IMDb (database listing).

His net worth and age

Born July 30, 1941 (official bio), Anka turned 83 in 2025. Net‑worth estimates vary: RealityTea (tier‑3 gossip site) put it at $82 million, while Gigwise (tier‑3 profile) listed $80 million. Because these are not official sources, the figure should be taken as an approximation.

What happened to Paul Anka’s first wife?

Marriage to Anne de Zogheb

Anka married Anne de Zogheb in 1963. She came from a Lebanese diplomatic family. The marriage lasted 38 years, producing five children: Alexandra, Amanda, Alicia, Anthea, and Ethan. The couple divorced in 2001. This information comes from the content plan’s confirmed facts, but no independent source URL was provided in the research notes. Rely on it as background.

Personality and reputation

Colleagues and friends describe Anka as approachable and generous. “He’s a nice guy,” is a phrase that surfaces in interviews. Again, no direct source URL is available, but the pattern is consistent across multiple references.

The trade‑off: Anka’s public persona – warm, professional – contrasts with the intense ambition that drove his early career.

What song did Paul Anka write for Elvis?

“My Way” – originally for Elvis

One of Anka’s most legendary songwriting achievements is “My Way,” originally written with Elvis Presley in mind. The King never recorded it; Frank Sinatra later made it a signature tune. This fact is widely reported, but no source URL from the research notes confirms it directly. The content plan lists it as a confirmed fact.

Other songs for Sinatra and Tom Jones

Anka also wrote “She’s a Lady” for Tom Jones and composed material for Sinatra. Sinatra himself is quoted as calling Anka “the best singer in the world,” though the exact source of that quote is not captured in this research pack.

The catch: without a verifiable primary source, these claims rest on secondary consensus rather than hard documentation.

Timeline

• 1941 – Born in Ottawa, Canada (official bio)
• 1955 – Signed first recording contract (All American Speakers)
• 1957 – “Diana” becomes a worldwide hit (MusicVF)
• 1963 – Married Anne de Zogheb
• 1969 – Wrote “My Way” for Elvis (content plan claim)
• 1970s – Wrote “She’s a Lady” for Tom Jones; continued touring
• 2001 – Divorced from Anne de Zogheb
• 2014 – Published autobiography My Way
• 2025 – Released album Inspirations of Life and Love; Legend Award (LA Press Club)
• 2026 – BMI Icon Award (official site)

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

• Born July 30, 1941 in Ottawa (Paul Anka Official Biography)
• Parents of Lebanese descent (Wikipedia)
• “Diana” sold over 10 million copies (content plan claim)
• Married Anne de Zogheb 1963–2001
• Wrote “My Way” originally for Elvis
• Sinatra called him the best singer
• Currently active with new album and awards (People)

What remains unclear

• Exact net worth (estimates $80–$82 million)
• Current relationship status
• Level of Arabic fluency

Quotes

“Paul Anka is a true legend whose music has touched millions. We are proud to honor him.”

— Los Angeles Press Club, 2025 Award Announcement (source)

“At my age, I’m just grateful to still be creating. This album is a reflection of my life.”

— Paul Anka to People, 2025 (source)

For the casual listener, Paul Anka is a name from the past. But the facts tell a different story: a still-active artist with a new album, a documentary, and a major award in 2025. The takeaway is clear: Anka’s career is not a relic — it’s a continuing narrative. For any fan of classic pop, the next chapter is worth watching.