Shenandoah University presents legendary singer-songwriter Paul Anka in “Paul Anka: A Man and His Music” on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre. The performance offers audiences an unforgettable evening with one of the most enduring figures in popular music.

With a career spanning more than six decades, Anka has left an indelible mark on the soundtrack of modern music. Rising to fame as a teenager with the international hit “Diana,” he went on to write and perform a remarkable catalog of songs that have become timeless standards. Among his many achievements, Anka penned the English lyrics for “My Way,” one of the most iconic songs in American music, and wrote the theme for “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” His songwriting credits also include enduring hits such as “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” and “Puppy Love,” as well as “She’s a Lady,” made famous by Tom Jones.

“We are delighted to welcome Paul Anka, a performer who resonates across generations,” said Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D. “I am deeply grateful to Shenandoah trustee and long-time supporter Cecil Pruitt for making Mr. Anka’s visit to the Northern Shenandoah Valley possible.”

A consummate performer, Anka continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his distinctive voice, charisma and storytelling. “A Man and His Music” brings together his greatest hits, personal stories from his extraordinary life in entertainment and selections from his expansive body of work, offering a retrospective journey through decades of music history.

“Welcoming a legendary artist who has been integral in defining the Great American Songbook aligns perfectly with our mission to bridge storied traditions with world-class contemporary performance,” said Shenandoah Conservatory Dean and Professor of Music Jennifer Smolos Steele, Ph.D. “As we prepare to break ground on our new center for the arts, this evening with Paul Anka is more than a concert — it is a milestone for our students and our community. We are so grateful to Cecil Pruitt for sponsoring this extraordinary event!”

Throughout his career, Anka has collaborated with some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries and has been recognized for his contributions as both a performer and songwriter. His music has crossed genres and generations, cementing his place as a true icon of popular culture.

This performance is sponsored by Cecil Pruitt, Jr.

Tickets for this performance go on sale Tuesday, May 12, and are available for purchase online 24/7 at conservatoryperforms.org. Tickets are available for purchase in person at the Shenandoah Conservatory Box Office located in the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre lobby and over the phone at 540-665-4569 during regular box office hours (Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.).

About Paula Anka

Born July 30, 1941, in Ottawa, Canada, Paul Anka began his musical journey at an early age, singing in a choir, studying piano and developing his songwriting skills. By 1957, he achieved international fame with “Diana,” his first No. 1 hit, becoming a star at just 15.

Anka quickly established himself as both a performer and prolific songwriter, writing for artists including Connie Francis and Buddy Holly. He penned the Academy Award-nominated theme for the 1962 film in which he starred, “The Longest Day,” and composed the enduring theme for “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” In the late 1960s, he wrote “My Way” for Frank Sinatra, followed by a string of hits in the 1970s including “(You’re) Having My Baby,” “Don’t Like to Sleep Alone” and “Times of Your Life,” solidifying his status as an icon of popular music.

Throughout his career, Anka has continued to evolve as an artist, releasing numerous albums and collaborating with major artists including Celine Dion, Tom Jones and Michael Bublé. His work with Michael Jackson includes the posthumous No. 1 hit “This Is It,” as well as “Love Never Felt So Good,” which reached No. 1 in more than 50 countries.

A New York Times bestselling author, Anka released his autobiography “My Way” in 2013. He remains one of the few artists to have charted on the Billboard Top 100 across seven consecutive decades.

Now in his eighties, Anka continues to write, record and perform, with recent albums “Making Memories” (2021) and “Sessions” (2022) featuring both new material and reimagined classics. Visit www.paulanka.com to learn more.