Paul Anka: Still Doing It His Way at 84

The singer-songwriter has remained on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart for seven straight decades and just released his latest album, "Inspirations of Life and Love."

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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At 84 years old, Paul Anka is still going strong, having remained on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart for seven straight decades. The singer-songwriter has re-invented himself over the years, transitioning from a '50s teen idol to a classic crooner, and has written hits for himself as well as other artists like Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson. Despite his decades-long career, Anka has managed to avoid the pitfalls of fame, never becoming a heavy drinker or smoker. He recently released his latest album, "Inspirations of Life and Love," and continues to perform for adoring fans.

Why it matters

Anka's longevity and ability to adapt to changing musical tastes over the course of seven decades is a remarkable feat in the music industry. His story serves as an inspiration for other artists looking to have long-lasting careers, and his continued creativity and passion for performing at 84 years old is a testament to his enduring talent and work ethic.

The details

Anka first broke into the music industry as a child, and has since re-invented himself from a '50s teen idol to a classic crooner. He was one of the few artists who was able to make the transition, steadily performing with the Rat Pack in the 1960s. Despite the temptations of fame, Anka avoided becoming a heavy drinker or smoker, and instead became a voracious reader of medical literature, which he credits for his continued good health and strong voice. Anka has released over 130 albums and written hits for himself as well as other artists like Buddy Holly, Tom Jones, and Michael Jackson.

  • Anka first broke into the music industry as a child, around the age of 10.
  • Anka wrote the song "My Way" for Frank Sinatra when Sinatra was considering retiring, which ended up keeping him on stage for 10 more years.
  • Anka recently released his latest album, "Inspirations of Life and Love."

The players

Paul Anka

An 84-year-old singer-songwriter who has remained on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart for seven straight decades and has re-invented himself from a '50s teen idol to a classic crooner.

Frank Sinatra

A legendary singer that Anka wrote the hit song "My Way" for, which ended up keeping Sinatra on stage for 10 more years.

Michael Jackson

A pop icon that Anka collaborated with in the 1980s, with a demo they recorded together surfacing after Jackson's death in 2009.

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What they’re saying

“When you started as I did as a kid with a squeaky little voice, not knowing what's gonna happen when it changes, I couldn't envision me being around for all these decades, you know?”

— Paul Anka (CBS News)

“It was very difficult to go from a modest background in a small town, to everybody's all over you and you're famous and you're a celebrity. Frankly, I kept saying, 'How do I not become an a******,' excuse me?”

— Paul Anka (CBS News)

“It started to write itself.”

— Paul Anka (CBS News)

What’s next

Anka plans to continue performing and recording music, though he acknowledges he'll have to "tap the brakes" at some point when his body tells him it's time to slow down.

The takeaway

Paul Anka's remarkable longevity and ability to adapt to changing musical tastes over seven decades is a testament to his enduring talent and work ethic. His story serves as an inspiration for other artists looking to have long-lasting careers, and his continued creativity and passion for performing at 84 years old is a true feat.