Paul Anka, the iconic Canadian singer-songwriter, recently shared insights into his remarkable career spanning over seven decades. Known for hits like “Diana” and “My Way,” Anka’s journey has been marked by resilience and creativity. He recalls a pivotal moment in 1956 when, as a 15-year-old, he approached his idol, Chuck Berry, with a song he had written. Berry’s dismissive remark that Anka’s song was “the worst song I’ve ever heard” did not deter him. Instead, it ignited a fierce motivation within Anka, who stated, “Revenge is a motivator like you wouldn’t believe.”
Anka’s reaction to Berry’s criticism proved fruitful. Within a year, “Diana” soared to the top of the charts in both the UK and the US, making him the first Canadian artist to achieve such a feat. His success continued with other hits like “You Are My Destiny,” “Lonely Boy,” and “Puppy Love,” all of which he wrote and retained the publishing rights to, a rarity among teen idols of that era. Anka emphasized his role as a songwriter, stating, “Without the writer of the song, there’s no record companies, no executives, no lawyers. There’s nothing.”
A Legacy of Reinvention
Throughout his career, Anka has navigated the changing landscape of the music industry. He embraced the need to evolve his sound as he transitioned from teenage idol to a seasoned performer. His upcoming album, Paul Anka: My Way, is set for release in February 2024, just before his 85th birthday. The album reflects his ongoing commitment to innovation and relevance in an industry that often overlooks seasoned artists.
Anka’s connections with other musical legends have been pivotal. He collaborated with the likes of Buddy Holly and contributed to the legacy of Frank Sinatra through his iconic song “My Way.” This anthem has transcended generations, becoming a defining piece for multiple artists, including Sid Vicious. Anka’s work has earned him significant financial success, with many of his compositions ranking among the most performed in music history.
In a recent interview, Anka discussed the importance of his upcoming HBO documentary, Paul Anka: His Way. The film aims to illuminate his extensive contributions to music, such as co-writing several hits for Michael Jackson. “There are a lot of people out there who don’t know I wrote the last three Michael Jackson hits,” he noted with pride.
Connecting with New Generations
Anka’s ability to connect with younger audiences has also remained strong. His song “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” gained newfound popularity on TikTok, amassing over 145 million views from users creating content inspired by the classic track. This resurgence highlights how Anka’s music continues to resonate decades after its initial release.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Anka shared that his parents operated a successful restaurant in Ottawa, Canada. Despite his father’s desire for him to join the family business, Anka’s passion for music prevailed. He ventured to California at a young age to pursue his dreams and eventually landed a record deal with ABC-Paramount.
His early experiences in the music industry were not without challenges. Anka faced bullying from older stars on tour, particularly from Jerry Lee Lewis, who resented Anka’s success. Despite these obstacles, he formed a lasting friendship with Buddy Holly, who sought Anka’s songwriting talents for what would become his final recording, “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore.”
Anka’s ability to adapt was further demonstrated when he faced a decline in popularity during the British Invasion. He turned to acting, appearing in films like The Longest Day and writing the musical theme for the movie. His significant comeback came in 1969 with “My Way,” a song that solidified his place in music history.
While Anka’s work has sometimes sparked controversy, such as the backlash from his lyrics in “You’re Having My Baby,” he maintains a sense of humor about it. He remarked, “How could it be negative towards women? I have five women living in the house,” referring to his daughters.
Anka’s recent projects include a play about his life, which he hopes to bring to Broadway. As he reflects on his extensive career, Anka remains committed to performing, stating, “I plan to keep doing this until I can’t stand. Then it will be the big wave and out.”
With a new album on the horizon and continued touring, Paul Anka’s legacy is far from finished. His story is now documented in Paul Anka: His Way, available on HBO Max, showcasing the life of a man who has continually reinvented himself while influencing generations of music lovers.
