The song was famously inspired by , a girl from Anka's hometown of Ottawa whom he met through his church and community events.
: Anka had an unrequited infatuation with Ayoub, who was roughly three years his senior. Paul Anka- Diana
: Though the romance never materialized, the experience prompted Anka to write the lyrics as a poem before setting them to music. Chart Performance and Success The song was famously inspired by , a
: While long-standing legends suggested she was his babysitter, Anka later clarified she was simply a family friend "a little out of my league". Chart Performance and Success : While long-standing legends
is the breakthrough 1957 hit that transformed a 15-year-old Paul Anka into an international teen idol. Released on July 2, 1957, the song is a quintessential example of early rock and roll blended with doo-wop. The Inspiration: Diana Ayoub