Paul Anka
Biography: Paul Albert Anka (born July 30, 1941) is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter and actor. He is best known for his signature hit songs including "Diana", "Lonely Boy", "Put Your Head on My Shoulder", and "(You're) Having My Baby". Anka also wrote the theme for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson; one of Tom Jones' biggest hits, "She's a Lady"; and the English lyrics to Claude François and Jacques Revaux's music for Frank Sinatra's signature song "My Way", which has been recorded by many, including Elvis Presley. He co-wrote three songs with Michael Jackson: "This Is It" (originally titled "I Never Heard") "Love Never Felt So Good", and "Don't Matter to Me", which became posthumous hits for Jackson in 2009, 2014, and 2018, respectively. Anka was born in Ottawa, Ontario, to Camelia (née Tannis) and Andrew Emile "Andy" Anka Sr., who owned a restaurant called the Locanda. His parents were both of Lebanese descent. His father came to Canada from Bab Tuma, Damascus, Syria, and his mother was an immigrant from Lebanon. His mother died when he was 18. Anka sang with the St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral choir under the direction of Frederick Karam, with whom he studied music theory. He studied piano with Winnifred Rees. He attended Fisher Park High School, where he was part of a vocal trio called the Bobby Soxers. Paul Anka recorded his first single, "I Confess", when he was 14. In 1956, with $100 given to him by his uncle, he went to New York City where he auditioned for Don Costa at ABC Records, singing what was widely believed to be a lovestruck verse he had written to a former babysitter. In an interview with NPR's Terry Gross in 2005, he stated that it was to a girl at his church whom he hardly knew. The resulting song "Diana" brought Anka stardom as it went to No. 1 on the Canadian and US music charts. "Diana" is one of the best selling singles ever by a Canadian recording artist. He followed up with four songs that made it into the Top 20 in 1958, including "It's Time to Cry", which hit No. 4 and "(All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings", which reached No. 15, making him (at 17) one of the biggest teen idols of the time. He toured Britain, then Australia with Buddy Holly. Anka also wrote "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" – a song written for Holly, which Holly recorded just before he died in 1959. Anka stated shortly afterward: "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" has a tragic irony about it now, but at least it will help look after Buddy Holly's family. I'm giving my composer's royalty to his widow – it's the least I can do." ... Source: Article "Paul Anka" from Wikipedia in English, licensed under CC-BY-SA 3.0.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: July 30, 1941
Deathday: N/A
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Known For
The Longest Day
1962-09-25
The Longest Day
Overview: The retelling of June 6, 1944, from the perspectives of the Germans, US, British, Canadians, and the Free French. Marshall Erwin Rommel, touring the defenses being established as part of the Reich's Atlantic Wall, notes to his officers that when the Allied invasion comes they must be stopped on the beach. "For the Allies as well as the Germans, it will be the longest day"
Genres: War Action Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1962-09-25
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Look in Any Window
1961-01-29
Look in Any Window
Overview: A teenager's parents finally realize how bad their home life is when their son is arrested for prowling.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1961-01-29
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Girls Town
1959-10-05
Girls Town
Overview: Chip is killed accidentally while trying to rape a blonde girl, who runs. Silver becomes the number one suspect even though she has an alibi, but due to previous brushes with the law she's sent to Girls Town, a home for young women in trouble with the law which is run by nuns. Silver is rebellious and causes trouble at the school, and her friend Sarafina totters near the brink of self-destruction because of an infatuation with a young singer. Meanwhile Chip's father hires a detective to find out the truth, and Chip's friend Fred gets Silver's sister in trouble at a drag race. Silver has a lot of problems all right.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1959-10-05
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Voices That Care
1991-02-28
Voices That Care
Overview: Behind the scenes making of the charity single "Voices That Care".
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1991-02-28
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Lonely Boy
1962-05-25
Lonely Boy
Overview: This short film portrays the story of singer Paul Anka, who rose from obscurity to become the idol of millions of adolescent fans around the world. Taking a candid look at both sides of the footlights, this film examines the marketing machine behind a generation of pop singers. Interviews with Anka and his manager reveal their perspective on the industry.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1962-05-25
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David Foster: Off the Record
2019-09-06
David Foster: Off the Record
Overview: A documentary about Canadian music icon David Foster.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2019-09-06
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Let's Rock!
1958-10-29
Let's Rock!
Overview: A lounge singer tries to adjust to rock 'n' roll music.
Genres: Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1958-10-29
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Lindsay Wagner: Another Side of Me
1977-11-07
Lindsay Wagner: Another Side of Me
Overview: Television special in which Lindsay Wagner sings, re-enacts her wedding day, plays in a silent-comedy spoof, meets Paul Anka, swims a la Esther Williams and plays Guinevere to Michael Brandon's Lancelot.
Genres: Music TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1977-11-07
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The Private Lives of Adam and Eve
1960-01-20
The Private Lives of Adam and Eve
Overview: A modern couple dream that they are Adam and Eve.
Genres: Comedy Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1960-01-20
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Ordinary Magic
1993-10-20
Ordinary Magic
Overview: When his father dies, Jeffrey is sent to live with his aunt Charlotte in Canada. Once there he leads his aunt and his friends in staging, a non-violent hunger strike to try to save his aunt's house from being demolished to make room for a ski resort.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1993-10-20
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The Memories of Angels
2008-09-05
The Memories of Angels
Overview: Montreal of another time is reborn into screen through images from a hundred of movies and shorts produced by the National Film Board of Canada while at its first four decades of existence. Port activities, musical shows, presence of Church, labors life, hockey fever and the best years of "Red Light" are few of the chapters of this collective family album.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-09-05
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C'est votre vie
2013-11-16
C'est votre vie
Overview:
Genres: Music
Original Language: fr
Release Date: 2013-11-16
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Shake, Rattle and Rock!
1994-08-26
Shake, Rattle and Rock!
Overview: In 1950s America, teenage rebellion comes easy when something like rock 'n' roll is viewed as sinful. Looking to have a good time while they're young, Susan, Cookie and Tony -- three teenagers from a small town -- start a nightclub where host Danny Klay introduces the newest rock 'n' roll talent, and everyone can dance the night away. Of course, not everyone in town is happy with the new establishment.
Genres: Drama Music TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1994-08-26
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Mad Dog Time
1996-11-08
Mad Dog Time
Overview: With his boss in the madhouse, a mobster is temporary boss of the criminal empire just as vicious rivals threaten the control of the empire.
Genres: Action Comedy Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1996-11-08
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Lily: Sold Out
1981-02-02
Lily: Sold Out
Overview: After taking her successful Broadway show to Las Vegas, Lily Tomlin is faced with a tough decision: soften her act for mass appeal, or keep her material the way she originally intended?
Genres: Comedy TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1981-02-02
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My Way
2024-05-16
My Way
Overview: My Way is more than a song, it's a major score that has crossed the boundaries of eras and generations. An anthem that has become a part of ourselves and of music history. My Way is one of the most covered songs in the world, from Sid Vicious to Tom Jones, from Nina Simone to Pavarotti. Yet many people are unaware that it was conceived in France, by the pool of Claude François' private hotel, in the summer of 1967, and that a succession of chance encounters and sleepless nights guided it across the Atlantic to the man who was to make it a legend. Like a biopic, this documentary recounts the birth of a myth and how a song entered the pantheon of pop culture.
Genres: Documentary Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2024-05-16
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Jay Sebring… Cutting to the Truth
2020-03-06
Jay Sebring… Cutting to the Truth
Overview: An illuminating portrait of Jay Sebring — the long-forgotten artist, designer, and entrepreneur who created a billion-dollar hair & beauty industry and defined iconic Hollywood styles for men.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2020-03-06
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Prince of the Hit Parade
1991-01-25
Prince of the Hit Parade
Overview: A Finnish music comedy set in the ealy 1960s.
Genres: Comedy Music
Original Language: fi
Release Date: 1991-01-25
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Paul Anka - Live in Switzerland
2013-03-26
Paul Anka - Live in Switzerland
Overview: 1957, at the tender age of 16, Paul Anka's debut hit single Diana immediately catapulted him into Hall of Fame status. For decades now, Anka has been one of the most successful composers around: Tom Jones' She's a Lady was written by him, as well as the lyrics for Frank Sinatra's legendary signature song My Way. He has released over 120 albums and sold over 100 million records. Anka has also been named the 21st most successful artist in Billboard's history (Billboard statistic). Today, Paul Anka is known as the last great crooner. When he translates his own as well as cover songs into elegant swing and gives his charm free reign on the stage, Anka glorifies the purest form of entertainment. Joined by his Big Band, he presents his programme 'Rock Swings' including famous rock classics in Swing versions at AVO SESSION Basel. This performance includes the big hits Diana, My Way, New York New York, Put Your Head On My Shoulder and more.
Genres: Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2013-03-26
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Captain Ron
1992-09-18
Captain Ron
Overview: When mild-mannered Martin Harvey finds out that he has inherited a vintage yacht, he decides to take his family on a Caribbean vacation to retrieve the vessel. Upon arriving on a small island and realizing that the ship is in rough shape, Martin and his family end up with more than they bargained for as the roguish Captain Ron signs on to sail the boat to Miami. It doesn't take long before Ron's anything-goes antics get the Harveys into plenty of trouble.
Genres: Adventure Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1992-09-18
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Buddy Holly: Rave On
2017-05-12
Buddy Holly: Rave On
Overview: Documentary following the life of rock 'n' roll legend Buddy Holly.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2017-05-12
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Comedy Central Roast of Alec Baldwin
2019-09-07
Comedy Central Roast of Alec Baldwin
Overview: Sean Hayes serves as roast master as it is Alec Baldwin's turn in the hot seat. Robert De Niro, Jeff Ross, and Caitlyn Jenner among others take jabs at the actor/comedian.
Genres: Comedy Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2019-09-07
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Paul Anka plays Avo Session
2011-11-05
Paul Anka plays Avo Session
Overview:
Genres: Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2011-11-05
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The Midnight Special Legendary Performances: More 1974
The Midnight Special Legendary Performances: More 1974
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Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date:
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Perry Mason: The Case of the Maligned Mobster
1991-02-11
Perry Mason: The Case of the Maligned Mobster
Overview: A gangster who has commited all kinds of crimes is accused to have killed his wife. As he was not the murderer in this case Perry Mason intents to find the killer...
Genres: Crime Thriller TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1991-02-11
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My Way
1979-03-12
My Way
Overview: Arena documentary investigating the history and influence of iconic song 'My Way'
Genres: Documentary Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1979-03-12
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Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon
2011-11-02
Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon
Overview: See Michael Jackson, one of the most recognizable and popular entertainers of all time, like never before in the feature-length tribute Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon. Known to millions of fans worldwide for his record-breaking albums, groundbreaking music videos, mesmerizing dance moves and humanitarian efforts, his true story has never really been told...until now. This unprecedented look into the King of Pop's fascinating life includes all-new interviews with his mother Katherine Jackson as well as siblings Tito and Rebbie Jackson, family, friends and music legends such as Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and many more.
Genres: Documentary Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2011-11-02
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3000 Miles to Graceland
2001-02-23
3000 Miles to Graceland
Overview: It was an ingenious enough plan: rob the Riviera Casino's count room during an Elvis impersonator convention. But Thomas Murphy decided to keep all the money for himself and shot all his partners, including recently-freed ex-con Michael Zane. With $3.2 million at stake, the Marshals Service closing in, Michael must track down Murphy.
Genres: Action Adventure Comedy Crime Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2001-02-23
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Paul Anka: His Way
2024-09-08
Paul Anka: His Way
Overview: One of the world’s most prolific and successful singer-songwriters participates in a candid and celebratory look at his life and career.
Genres: Documentary Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2024-09-08
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AFI's 100 Years... 100 Songs: America's Greatest Music in the Movies
2004-06-22
AFI's 100 Years... 100 Songs: America's Greatest Music in the Movies
Overview: The top 100 songs of the past 100 years chosen by the American Film Institute are presented by host-actor John Travolta.
Genres: TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2004-06-22
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