"Diana" is a song written and first performed by Paul Anka,[2] who recorded it in May 1957 at Don Costa’s studio in New York City. Anka stated in his autobiography that the song was inspired by a girl named Diana Ayoub (13 March 1939 – 1 December 2022),[3] whom he had met at his church and community events, and had developed a crush on.[4][5]
Recording
Session musicians on the record included George Barnes playing lead guitar, Bucky Pizzarelli playing the "Calypso" riff on guitar, Irving Wexler on piano, Jerry Bruno on bass, and Panama Francis on drums. The song was recorded in May 1957 at RCA Victor Studios in New York.[6] Backup singers included Artie Ripp.[7]
Release
Paul Anka's original 1957 recording reached number 1 (for two weeks) on the Billboard "R&B Best Sellers In Stores" chart,[8] (although it climbed no higher than number 2 on Billboard′s composite "Top 100" chart) and has reportedly sold over nine million copies.[9] "Diana" also hit number one on the R&B Best Sellers chart.[10] It also reached number 1 on the UK's New Musical Express chart, staying there for nine weeks,[11] and sold 1.25 million copies in the UK.[12][13]
After signing with RCA Records, Anka re-recorded "Diana", along with many other hits in 1963, for the album Paul Anka's 21 Golden Hits.[14]
Paul Anka and Ricky Martin recorded a Spanish-language version of "Diana" and Anka included it on his album Amigos, and released it as a single in 1996.[32]
Frankie Lymon released a version of the song on his 1958 album Rock 'N Roll.[36]
Brazilian singer Carlos Gonzaga recorded a Portuguese version, released in 1958.[37]
Paul Anka sang an Italian version of the song, also called "Diana"; the Italian lyrics were written by Mario Panzeri. This version was released on Anka's 1963 album Italiano.[38]
A duet was in 2006 with Anka and the famous Italian singer and entertainer Adriano Celentano, with new Italian words by Giulio Rapetti (also known as Mogol) and by the same Celentano; the Italian title was "Oh Diana".[45]