Paul Anka
World-renowned singer-songwriter Paul Anka makes his highly anticipated return to Ruth Eckerd Hall! Born July 30, 1941, in Ottawa, Canada, into a close-knit family, Paul Anka didn’t waste time getting his life in music started. From an early age he sang in a choir, studied piano and honed his writing skills with journalism courses, even working as a cub reporter at the Ottawa Citizen. By 13, he had his own vocal group, the Bobbysoxers. Blinded by determination, he would take his mother’s car and drive to perform at every amateur night he could across the river in Quebec. Soon after, he won a trip to New York by winning a Campbell’s soup contest that required him to spend three months collecting soup can labels. After visiting the music hub of New York, it was there that his dream to make it as a singer composer was solidified. There was not a doubt in his young tenacious mind.
In 1956, he convinced his parents to let him travel to Los Angeles to visit his uncle, where he hitchhiked to a meeting with Modern Records that led to the release of Anka’s first single, Blau-Wile Deveest Fontaine. The inspiration for the song came from a book he was reading for a report he had to write for Fisher Park school by the former Governor General of Canada, John Buchan. Although it was not a hit, Anka kept plugging away. He went so far as to sneak into Fats Domino’s dressing room in Ottawa to meet him and his manager. In the dressing room, Fats Domino and Chuck Berry were sitting there and Anka sang his music to them. They told him to stay in school. When Anka returned to New York in 1957, he scored a meeting with Don Costa, the A&R representative for ABC-Paramount Records, playing him a batch of songs that included Diana. Costa was duly enthusiastic about the potential of the young singer and songwriter. The rapid and enormous success of Diana, his first number one hit, made him a star at the young age of 15.
His later achievements as a recording artist included the charted song, Hold Me ‘Til the Morning Comes, a hit duet with Peter Cetera in 1983, the Spanish language album Amigos in 1996, and Body of Work, a 1998 duets album that featured Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Tom Jones and daughter Anthea Anka. If this wasn’t enough, it was revealed upon its release in 2009, that Anka co-wrote Michael Jackson’s posthumous #1 worldwide hit, This Is It, which has further cemented his place upon the most prolific and versatile songwriters of any generation.
At 81 years old, Paul Anka continues to write and record. His latest two albums, Making Memories and Sessions, were released in 2021 and 2022 respectively. The albums featured new and never before recorded songs as well as new takes on old classics — notably Put Your Head On My Shoulder with Olivia Newton John, one of her last recorded songs, and My Way featuring Michael Buble and Andrea Bocelli.
Paul Anka
World-renowned singer-songwriter Paul Anka makes his highly anticipated return to Ruth Eckerd Hall! Born July 30, 1941, in Ottawa, Canada, into a close-knit family, Paul Anka didn’t waste time getting his life in music started. From an early age he sang in a choir, studied piano and honed his writing skills with journalism courses, even working as a cub reporter at the Ottawa Citizen. By 13, he had his own vocal group, the Bobbysoxers. Blinded by determination, he would take his mother’s car and drive to perform at every amateur night he could across the river in Quebec. Soon after, he won a trip to New York by winning a Campbell’s soup contest that required him to spend three months collecting soup can labels. After visiting the music hub of New York, it was there that his dream to make it as a singer composer was solidified. There was not a doubt in his young tenacious mind.
In 1956, he convinced his parents to let him travel to Los Angeles to visit his uncle, where he hitchhiked to a meeting with Modern Records that led to the release of Anka’s first single, Blau-Wile Deveest Fontaine. The inspiration for the song came from a book he was reading for a report he had to write for Fisher Park school by the former Governor General of Canada, John Buchan. Although it was not a hit, Anka kept plugging away. He went so far as to sneak into Fats Domino’s dressing room in Ottawa to meet him and his manager. In the dressing room, Fats Domino and Chuck Berry were sitting there and Anka sang his music to them. They told him to stay in school. When Anka returned to New York in 1957, he scored a meeting with Don Costa, the A&R representative for ABC-Paramount Records, playing him a batch of songs that included Diana. Costa was duly enthusiastic about the potential of the young singer and songwriter. The rapid and enormous success of Diana, his first number one hit, made him a star at the young age of 15.
His later achievements as a recording artist included the charted song, Hold Me ‘Til the Morning Comes, a hit duet with Peter Cetera in 1983, the Spanish language album Amigos in 1996, and Body of Work, a 1998 duets album that featured Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Tom Jones and daughter Anthea Anka. If this wasn’t enough, it was revealed upon its release in 2009, that Anka co-wrote Michael Jackson’s posthumous #1 worldwide hit, This Is It, which has further cemented his place upon the most prolific and versatile songwriters of any generation.
At 81 years old, Paul Anka continues to write and record. His latest two albums, Making Memories and Sessions, were released in 2021 and 2022 respectively. The albums featured new and never before recorded songs as well as new takes on old classics — notably Put Your Head On My Shoulder with Olivia Newton John, one of her last recorded songs, and My Way featuring Michael Buble and Andrea Bocelli.
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DateMar 9, 2026
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VenueRuth Eckerd Hall
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Doors Open6:00 PM
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Event Starts7:00 PM
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AvailabilityOn Sale Now
- Seating Chart
- Directions & Parking
Enjoy a unique culinary experience featuring a themed menu inspired by the dishes our chef is preparing for the artist before the show. You won’t be disappointed as our industry-renowned kitchen was a finalist for Pollstar’s “Thank you, May I Have Another” Award.
Enjoy the Best Catering on the Tour, including tapas style offerings and libation of your choice (beer, wine, single liquor cocktail or soda) beginning 1.5 hours prior to show time.
Please note, this is a heavy appetizers dining experience. Does not include admission to the show. Show ticket is required for entry. Group discounts available for parties of 15 or more by calling (727) 712-2717. Menu items subject to substitutions without notice. Gratuity is not included. Artist does not appear at the party.
This package includes a premium seat and access to a unique culinary experience featuring a themed menu inspired by the dishes our chef is preparing for the artist before the show. You won’t be disappointed as our industry-renowned kitchen was a finalist for Pollstar’s “Thank you, May I Have Another” Award.
Enjoy the Best Catering on the Tour, including tapas style offerings and libation of your choice (beer, wine, single liquor cocktail or soda) beginning 1.5 hours prior to show time.
Please note, this is a heavy appetizers dining experience. Does not include admission to the show. Show ticket is required for entry. Group discounts available for parties of 15 or more by calling (727) 712-2717.Menu items subject to substitutions without notice. Gratuity is not included. Services fees applied at checkout. Artist does not appear at the party.
FAQ
How do I purchase tickets before the public? Ruth Eckerd Hall offers many membership options starting at $100 annually that unlock special member pre-sales and amenities across all venues. Become a member today.
Where can I park? FREE and convenient self-parking is available onsite. Valet parking is available at most events for an additional cost. Drop-off points and ADA parking are available at both entrances for easy access on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons are welcome to use valet service when available at 50% off by presenting their ADA accessible parking permit. Rideshare drop off and pick up is located between the two building entrances.
Where do I pick up will call tickets? Visit the Raymond James Central Ticket Office at Ruth Eckerd Hall, located outside the Grand Lobby entrance before you enter the security line, up to two hours before showtime.
What are your safety and security policies? All members of your party must have a ticket to enter the venue. All individuals entering the facility are subject to screening including the checking of bags and personal belongings for prohibited items. Re-entry is not permitted. For a complete list of prohibited items visit the A-Z Guide.
What dining and concessions are available? Ruth Eckerd Hall has many dining options both indoors and outdoors in the England Family Music Garden. You can also enjoy a prix-fixed dining experience available for advance purchase. Visit Dining Options for more information.
For more information about accessibility and a complete guide to visiting Ruth Eckerd Hall, visit the A-Z Guide.
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