B009HOTHPE EBOK (51 page)

I fully realize that, as I share my views and opinions, there are people who are far smarter than I am, people who are in political positions of power, who are saying these same things and more. All of these concerns of mine at this stage of my life have led me to ask myself, “What
really
matters in the end?” It’s not all that stuff, it’s not the homes, the cars, the awards that are hanging on my wall, but those that I will leave behind, people I have loved, and who will think about me in a warm and loving way when this journey has ended.

About the Author

PAUL ANKA
had his own vocal group by the age of thirteen and released his first single at fourteen. His first #1 hit, “Diana,” made him a star. He was born in Ottawa, Canada, and lives in Southern California. Visit the author’s Web site at
www.paulanka.com
.

Paul Anka, age 2.

My sister, brother, and me (1950).

I was the team mascot (in front in the white hat) for the hockey team, the Connaught, in 1954.

(left to right)
Akihiro Hirao, me, Chie Me Erie, and Rei Ko Dang on my first trip to Japan in 1958.

Jerry Lee Lewis and me in 1958, on board a Pan Am flight to Australia.

Mamie Van Doren and me in the movie
Girls Town (1959).

Me and Dick Clark, 1960.

Getting smuggled out in a box after a mobbed appearance at a Woolworth’s, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1961.

Receiving my first gold record from Sam Clark (l) and Don Costa.

With my proud family in the 1960s.

The famous Diana
(left)
with me and her cousin.

With Sophie Tucker; this was my very first appearance in Vegas.