Legendary singer/songwriter Paul Anka was honored at the 71st Annual BMI/NAB Dinner held Tuesday night in Las Vegas. Anka received the BMI Board of Directors Award for his impact on contemporary music.
BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill presented the accolade to Anka in front of a room of industry heavy-hitters, commenting that they were “in the presence of music royalty.” He went on to say that Anka has an “unrivaled catalog of songs that have encouraged us to love, hope, reflect, and celebrate life.”
Anka gave a performance of his first hit song “Diana,” before giving a moving speech where he shared various memories. He then sang a special rendition of his signature hit “My Way.”
Other Anka hits include “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” “Puppy Love,” “Lonely Boy,” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” theme song.
The annual BMI/NAB dinner is hosted by BMI’s Board of Directors. Past recipients of the BMI honor include Mike Post, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Graham Nash, Paul Simon, Carlos Santana, and John Williams, among others.
