April 29, 2013 -- Iconic pop singer and songwriter Paul Anka will be in Santa Monica next week to discuss and sign his new autobiography, “My Way,” and his CD, “Duets,” at the Main Library.

The author talk and book signing will take place Monday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library's Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard. 

Inside Edition chief correspondent Jim Moret will lead the discussion.
Anka says that “My Way, An Autobiography,” co-written with David Dalton and published by St. Martin’s Press earlier this month, keeps some things secret.

“They wanted a lot of kiss-and-tell stuff,” the 71-year-old singer told the Windsor Star. “It’s got a lot of stuff, but if you’re asking me did I open my veins, the answer is no.

“There’s stuff in there about me working with the Mafia and Vegas and the early days,” Anka said. “But it’s no kiss-and-tell. I kept some things secret.”
My Way, An Autobiography, co-written with David Dalton, will be published by St. Martin’s Press on April 9.

“They wanted a lot of kiss-and-tell stuff,” said the 71-year-old singer who returns to Windsor’s Caesars Windsor on Feb. 16.

“It’s got a lot of stuff, but if you’re asking me did I open my veins, the answer is no. There’s stuff in there about me working with the Mafia and Vegas and the early days. But it’s no kiss-and-tell. I kept some things secret.”

Anka recorded his first single “I Confess” in 1956 when he was 14. The following year the teenage heart-throb recorded his breakthough hit “Diana,” which shot to the top of the charts in the U.S. and in his native Canada.

In 1958, Anka had four songs in the Top 20, including "It's Time to Cry," which hit number 4. At age 17 he toured Australia with Buddy Holly, for whom he wrote “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore.” Holly recorded the song before his death in a plane crash in 1959. Anka gave his composer’s royalties to his widow.

Anka also wrote the theme music for “The Tonight Show,” as well as Tom Jones’ biggest hit, “She’s a Lady.” And he wrote English lyrics to Frank Sinatra’s signature song, “My Way,” which is the title of Anka’s autobiography.

Anka was one of the first musicians to play Vegas casinos – he palled around with Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. in the 1960s -- and continued to record into the new century. In 2005, “Rock Swings,” an album of big-band arrangements of contemporary standards, hit Number 9 in the UK.

His album “Duets,” which includes recordings with Dolly Parton, Leon Russell, Willie Nelson and Gloria Estefan was released this year.

Anka’s appearance in Santa Monica is a ticketed event. Free tickets for auditorium seating will be released one hour prior to program in the Main Library lobby.  One ticket per guest, guests must be present to receive a ticket, and seating is first come, first served.  This program is open to all ages.

The Santa Monica Public Library is wheelchair accessible. For special disabled services, call Library Administration at (310) 458-8606 at least one week prior to event. The Main Library is served by Big Blue Bus routes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Ride your bike. Bicycle parking racks are available at the library.