Introduction:
**FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY: Paul Anka Named One of *TIME* Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025**
For the first time in his legendary career, Paul Anka has been named one of *TIME* magazine’s **100 Most Influential People of 2025**, a milestone that adds a historic chapter to a life already defined by global impact. At 83, the singer, songwriter, and cultural architect joins a list that celebrates individuals shaping the world—not just through fame, but through lasting influence.
Anka’s inclusion marks a rare acknowledgment of a career that has quietly shaped popular music for more than six decades. From penning classics like *Diana* to rewriting the pop landscape with his English lyrics to *My Way*, Anka’s work has transcended eras, genres, and generations. *TIME* praised his “enduring cultural relevance and unmatched ability to evolve while staying true to his voice,” citing his influence across music, film, and entertainment.
What sets Anka apart, according to the magazine, is not just longevity, but authorship. Few artists can claim credit for shaping the careers of others while maintaining their own. His songwriting has been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, and countless others, embedding Anka’s words into the emotional vocabulary of the 20th and 21st centuries.
In 2025, Anka’s influence feels newly visible. Younger artists continue to sample, reinterpret, and study his catalog. His story—immigrant roots, early fame, reinvention, and resilience—has become a blueprint for artistic survival. Industry insiders note that Anka represents something increasingly rare: a creator who owns his legacy rather than being defined by it.
In a brief statement following the announcement, Anka expressed gratitude and humility. “Influence isn’t something you aim for,” he said. “You aim to be honest in your work. If it lasts, that’s the gift.” Those close to him say the recognition is deeply meaningful, not as a career capstone, but as validation that his work still matters in a rapidly changing world.
The *TIME 100* list typically highlights political leaders, innovators, activists, and cultural figures shaping the present moment. Anka’s inclusion underscores a broader message: influence is not limited by age. It can deepen over time.
As Paul Anka takes his place among the world’s most influential people of 2025, the honor feels less like a surprise and more like a long-overdue acknowledgment. His songs didn’t just top charts—they became part of how the world learned to feel, reflect, and remember.
And now, history has officially taken note.