"Tall Paul" was a seminal song in both the careers of Annette Funicello and the Sherman Brothers. It marked the first time that a female singer reached a top ten slot for a rock and roll single. It also spotlighted Annette from amongst the other Mouseketeers on the Mickey Mouse Club and paved the way for the movie career which followed. Walt Disney personally took notice of the string of chart toppers which the Sherman Brothers were writing for Annette and subsequently asked the songwriters to work for him exclusively. The song was inspired by Paul Anka, who had a crush on her, however, Walt Disney overprotected her from much contact with Paul. The Sherman Brothers went on to win two Oscars for Mary Poppins several years later.

• "Tall Paul" reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1959. It was the highest-charting song by Annette Funicello and also one of the shortest, clocking in at 1 minute and 38 seconds.

Trivia

It has been suggested that the song was a tongue-in-cheek reference to - and expression of Annette's affection for - singer Paul Anka, given his short stature.

On Video

Annette Funicello w/ Dick Clark