Pop Music
The song was written and performed by Paul Anka. It first appeared in the 1959 film Girls Town, one of those rebellious teen films. It was Anka’s first acting role. The film also starred Mamie van Doren, Mel Tormé, and Ray Anthony. Anka released it as a single in 1959, and it became in international success. It went to #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, #6 on the U.S. R&B Chart, #3 in the U.K., #2 in Italy, and #8 in Germany. There have been a number of covers of the song, including versions by Billy “Crash” Craddock and Donny Osmond.
Born in Ontario, Canada, in 1941, Paul Anka had already recorded several records by the time he was 15. In 1957, he traveled to New York City where he auditioned for Don Costa at ABC. Anka sang the love song “Diana.” Costa was impressed and gave him a deal and helped to make him a teen idol in the ’50s. (The song, “Diana” brought Anka stardom as it went to #1 on the U.S., Canadian, and United Kingdom music charts.) His career skyrocketed as a singer, songwriter, and actor. He wrote for Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and many, many more. He also wrote the theme for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Anka still performs and tours internationally.
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[…] For other songs by Paul Anka: “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” and “Lonely Boy.” […]
My top 30!!