Paul Anka Brings CLASSIC SONGS MY WAY To Van Wezel 3/22

Paul Anka, the '50s teen idol who has become one of the most successful pop singers and songwriters in history, brings his new show Classic Songs, My Way to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Sunday, Mar. 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $75-$130.

With nearly 50 years in show business and over 124 albums to his credit, Anka ranks as the 21st most successful artist in Billboard's history, putting him alongside music legends Elvis Presley and the Beatles. Never one to rest on his laurels, the Ottawa-born Anka has had a song on Billboard's charts in every decade since 1957, when he was only 17.

Among his Billboard chart stats in the United States are three #1 songs: "Diana," "Lonely Boy" and "You're Having My Baby," as well as 22 Top 20 hits. He is particularly well-known for penning signature songs for others, notably "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" (Buddy Holly), "She's a Lady" (Tom Jones), "Puppy Love" (Donny Osmond) and, of course, "My Way" (Frank Sinatra).

In a December, 2008 review of Anka's show in Las Vegas, entertainment writer Robin Leach raved that the legendary performer "thrilled, wowed and enthralled the sold-out crowds." Leach wrote, "Paul sang his way through the audience and danced with them in their seats... It was just under two hours of magnificent music and stellar songs." He added, "No wonder his standing ovation ran nearly 10 minutes with three separate encores! A consummate showman! They just don't turn them out like that anymore in the music business."

His show at the Van Wezel highlights songs from his latest CD Classic Songs, My Way. The CD features Anka's lush treatments of songs by Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel and Bryan Adams, a swinging take on the Killers' "Mr. Brightside" and new renditions of two classics from Paul's own formidable canon. The CD also includes duets with Michael Bublé and rock superstar Jon Bon Jovi, with a soaring performance of "My Way." USA Today's Elysa Gardner wrote, "The result is a collection that swings - literally."

Tickets may be purchased at the Van Wezel Box Office, by calling (941) 953-3368 or by logging online at www.vanwezel.org.