Interview: Paul Anka at NJPAC on Friday December 16th

Paul Anka, one of America's favorite performers, will be onstage at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Friday, December 16th at 8:00 in the Center's Prudential Hall. The singer and songwriter will perform his greatest hits spanning more than five decades, from "Diana" and "Put Your Head on My Shoulder " to "Having My Baby" and "This is It." In a show loaded with romance, Paul Anka takes fans on a musical journey with a repertoire drawn from his year as a teen hit maker with the song, "Lonely Boy", to an in-demand songwriter, to the release of his latest albums, Rock Swings and Classic Songs, My Way.

Anka's contribution to the music world began when his first hit "Diana," rocketed him to the top of the charts. His talent as a composer and lyricist took his career to new heights. He penned the hit "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" for Buddy Holly and the theme for Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. His other hits include Tom Jones' "She's a Lady", Donny Osmond's cover of "Puppy Love", Barbra Streisand's "Jubilation," and the English lyrics to "My Way", which was made famous by Frank Sinatra. Other noteworthy artists who have performed Anka's songs include Elvis Presley, Nina Simone, Sid Vicious, Robbie Williams and Celine Dion.

Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to ask Paul Anka a few questions about the upcoming performance and his future plans. He told us why performing at NJPAC is such a significant opportunity. "Because it's home for me. I always love getting back to Jersey has a Tenafly boy. The audiences are always so gracious."

We asked him what he hopes his fans will take away from his performance. He said he wants it to be something that they will remember for longer than a night.

Anka told us a little about his future plans. He will be doing more touring and writing. He also commented, "Some innovative processes like the hologram business that we hope within the next couple of years will be an enhancement to the concert experience. The company is Arht Media."

Anka has received numerous honors over the years. Originally from Ottawa, he was appointed to the Order of Canada, which recognizes the lifetime achievements and contributions by people in all sectors of Canadian society; and he was a 2005 inductee into the Canadian Hall of Fame. He is also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was honored by the government of France with the title of Chevalier in the Order of Arts and Letters, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1993.

Paul Anka's concert at NJPAC promises to be a night to remember for his fans and so many more. Tickets are now available. Paul Anka's show page at: http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/paul-anka.

NJPAC is located at 1 Center Street, Newark, New Jersey; a short walk from the Newark Penn Station stop for New Jersey Transit, PATH Train and Amtrak trains. For more information, visit http://www.njpac.org/. You can also follow NJPAC on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Check out some of the other upcoming shows in December at NJPAC:

Saturday, 12/17 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm

Forces of Nature Dance Company with Special Guest Les Nubians

Saturday, 12/17 at 3:00 pm

The Hip Hop Nutcracker Featuring Kurtis Blow

Sunday, 12/18 at 3:00 pm

Handel's Messiah with Members of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

Sunday, 12/18 at 3:00 pm & 8:00 pm

Jose Feliciano: Feliz Navidad Show

Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJPAC