Paul Anka Shares Insights on Frank Sinatra’s Legacy

Paul Anka, the 84-year-old singer who penned the English lyrics for the classic “My Way,” recently addressed ongoing rumors about Frank Sinatra in an interview while promoting the HBO Max documentary “Paul Anka: His Way.” The documentary explores Anka’s life and career, leading to a discussion about Sinatra’s legendary status.

When asked directly about rumors surrounding Sinatra’s well-endowed reputation, Anka humorously confirmed, “Yeah, that was big.” He added, “I don’t know what that will do to you!” which drew laughter during the conversation, highlighting the playful nature of their camaraderie over the years.

Anka reminisced about his time with Sinatra and the Rat Pack in Las Vegas, joking about how he sometimes found it difficult to make eye contact during their sauna sessions. “It’s crazy, more than anything,” he said, showcasing a light-hearted perspective on the legendary entertainers of the time. Anka also noted that compared to other stars, such as Milton Berle, Sinatra had a unique charm.

These aren’t Anka’s first comments about Sinatra’s personal life. Previously, it was reported that Ava Gardner, Sinatra’s second wife, mentioned her reasons for staying with him, leading to years of speculation in Hollywood.

Despite any whispers regarding Sinatra’s romantic life, what truly bonded Anka and Sinatra was their musical connection. Anka vividly remembers how he came across a French song while on vacation, which inspired him to create “My Way” specifically for Sinatra. “I had to sit down and write it,” he explained. As it turned out, the song revitalized Sinatra’s career when it was recorded in 1968 and became an anthem of sorts in pop culture, even finding its way to countless funerals over the years.

Anka shared an emotional moment from when he first heard Sinatra perform “My Way.” He still recalls being in his New York apartment, overcome with happiness as the song blasted from a studio in Los Angeles. “I started crying — happy tears,” he reminisced, reflecting on how significant that moment was for both of their careers.

He also expressed how he loves hearing new interpretations of his work, stating that he felt moved by Sid Vicious’s rendition of the song. Anka aims to keep Sinatra’s legacy alive through performances, blending classic tracks with modern touches to engage younger audiences.

Anka reflected on the importance of introducing Sinatra’s music to new generations, noting that many young people today may not even be familiar with iconic figures like Johnny Carson or Sammy Davis Jr. He intends to mix Sinatra’s classics with his own material in upcoming performances, considering it essential to educate audiences about the roots of popular music.

Looking forward, Anka is excited about the viral resurgence of his hit “Put Your Head on My Shoulders,” which gained popularity on TikTok. Although he’s focused on future projects, he misses performing, saying, “That’s who I am.” With plans to release a new album early next year, Anka remains deeply committed to his craft and the legacy of his friend, Frank Sinatra.