"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.
