iPlayer Radio What's New?
Speaker icon LISTEN
Show more Show less
ON NOW : Alex Lester
Playing: Home by Phillip Phillips

Alex Lester Witty chat and top tunes for all night-owls on the Best Time of the Day Show with Alex.

Image for Paul Anka - Original Teen Idol

Sorry, this episode is not currently available on BBC iPlayer Radio

Last on

Wed 20 Jul 2011 22:00 BBC Radio 2

Duration:
1 hour
First broadcast:
Wednesday 20 July 2011

Paul Anka takes us through his extraordinary career, starting with the rat-pack era. Nicknamed "the kid" by Frank Sinatra, he was a regular, though junior, member of this elite group of singers. And it was for Sinatra that Paul penned mega-hit My Way, one of the most covered songs.
Only 15 when he shot to fame with the release of one of his signature tunes, Diana, a teen idol was born. His movie-idol good looks and golden voice soon attracted a huge, largely female and frenzied following - he was the Justin Bieber of his time. As well as performing his own tunes, he's written huge hits such as She's A Lady for Tom Jones; It Doesn't Matter Anymore which Buddy Holly recorded just before his death; and he collaborated with Michael Jackson on This Is It.

The original teen idol in conversation with journalist Stephen Smith reflects on his exciting career, the extraordinary people and terrific music.

Music Played

8 items
  • Image for Luther Vandross

    Luther Vandross The Night I Fell In Love

  • Image for The New Jersey Queens

    The New Jersey Queens Party Don't Worry About It

  • Image for OutKast

    OutKast She Lives In My Lap

  • Image for Alicia Myers

    Alicia Myers I Want To Thank You

  • Josh Osho Redemption Days (RZA Remix)

  • Image for Barbara Randolph

    Barbara Randolph Can I Get A Witness

  • Image for Luther Vandross

    Luther Vandross My Sensitivity

  • Image for Bobby Womack

    Bobby Womack Daylight

Broadcasts

BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.