FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — At 84 years old, legendary singer-songwriter Paul Anka is proving that retirement is nowhere in his immediate plans. The “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” crooner has officially kicked off his 2026 North American tour, celebrating nearly seven decades in the music industry with a series of high-profile performances across the United States and Canada.
The tour is scheduled to hit major Florida markets this March, including stops in Fort Lauderdale on March 4, West Palm Beach on March 6, and Fort Myers on March 7. Anka will also return to his Canadian roots with highly anticipated shows in Orillia and Windsor, Ontario, on April 10 and 11, 2026. Additionally, Live Nation recently confirmed a headlining performance at the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 16.
A Legacy Spanning Seven Decades
Born July 30, 1941, in Ottawa, Canada, Anka rose to international stardom in the late 1950s as a teenage idol. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Anka wrote his own material, a rarity at the time. His breakout hit “Diana” sold millions of copies, followed by timeless classics such as “Lonely Boy” and “You Are My Destiny.”
Beyond his own vocal success, Anka is recognized as one of the most prolific songwriters in history. He has penned over 900 songs, including the English lyrics for Frank Sinatra’s signature anthem “My Way,” Tom Jones’ “She’s a Lady,” and the iconic theme for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
New Music and Continued Vitality
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Anka explained his decision to remain on the road and in the studio. “Retirement is not in the cards,” Anka stated, noting that his passion for performing and connecting with audiences remains as strong as it was during his debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1957.
The 2026 tour coincides with the release of his latest project, Inspirations of Life and Love. Fans attending the upcoming shows can expect a career-spanning setlist that includes his early pop hits, his 1970s and 80s chart-toppers like “Hold Me ‘Til the Morning Comes,” and selections from his critically acclaimed 2005 jazz foray, Rock Swings.
Upcoming 2026 Tour Highlights
- March 4: Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- March 6: Kravis Center – Dreyfoos Hall, West Palm Beach, FL
- March 7: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers, FL
- April 10: Casino Rama Resort, Orillia, ON
- April 11: Caesars Windsor, Windsor, ON
- May 16: Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, NV
Tickets for the 2026 tour dates are currently on sale through official box offices and major ticket retailers. With a career that has influenced everyone from Buddy Holly to Michael Jackson and Drake, Paul Anka continues to be a vital force in American popular music.