LOS ANGELES, CA (LA ELEMENTS) – 4/12/2026 “Throughout an unparalleled and distinguished career, Paul Anka has captured timelessness, writing himself into the soundtrack of popular music where greatness isn’t just a moment, but a lifelong crescendo, “says BMI VP, Worldwide Creative Barbara Cane. “Paul’s words, melodies and artistry transcend decades and eras, and we’re thrilled to honor him as a BMI Icon. We’re also excited to celebrate and recognize the undeniable talent of all BMI’s brilliant, award-winning songwriters and publishers that we’re privileged to represent. It’s going to be an evening to remember.”
Anka will receive the BMI Icon Award at the 2026 BMI Pop Awards on May 12 at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles. BMI’s Pop Song of the Year, Publisher of the Year and BMI’s 50 Most-Performed Pop Songs in the U.S. of the previous year will also be named. The private event will be hosted by BMI CEO Mike O’Neil; EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg; VP, Worldwide Creative Barbara Cane; VP, Creative, NY Samantha Cox and VP, Creative LA Tracie Verlinda.
Anka composed the 1957 pop classic, “Diana,” when he was only 15 years old. He co-wrote 2009’s “This Is It” with Michael Jackson and has written numerous hits in between, such as “(You’re) Having My Baby,” and “My Way,” recorded by Frank Sinatra. This makes Anka the only musical artist to have a song on the Billboard charts for seven consecutive decades.
Anka has collaborated and written with some of the biggest names in music including Buddy Holly, Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand. He has recorded over 120 albums in a variety of languages, which have sold nearly 90 million copies worldwide, including 2005’s Gold-certified Rock Swings. He has placed 48 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and famously wrote “Johnny’s Theme” for The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, the longest running theme in television history.
Among his many accolades, Anka has received 24 BMI Awards and was honored at the 71st Annual BMINAB Dinner in 2019. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1986, received the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award in 2008 and is a recipient of stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Cnada Walk of Fame. Recently, Anka released his newest studio album, Inspirations of Life and Love, an HBO documentary, Paul Anka: His Way, and announced the development of an autobiographic Broadway musical written by Rupert Holmes.
As the newest BMI Icon honoree, Anka joins an elite group of songwriters who have received BMI’s highest honor for their “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Previous recipients include Barry Manilow, Brian Wilson and Carlos Santana among others.
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Cover photograph of Paul Anka by Annie Leibovitz
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