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- Paul Anka confirms longstanding Sinatra rumor
- Inside the Rat Pack: saunas, jokes and backstage life
- The tale behind “My Way”: how a French song became an American classic
- Sinatra’s reaction and the song’s swift rise
- How “My Way” spread: covers and pop-culture moments
- Paul Anka today: films, albums and continued work
Paul Anka has weighed in on a decades-old Hollywood whisper about Frank Sinatra, turning gossip into a brief, bemused anecdote that landed during a recent interview. The singer-songwriter mixes recollection with humor as he recalls nights with Sinatra, the Rat Pack and other showbiz characters.
Paul Anka confirms longstanding Sinatra rumor
In conversation with Page Six, Anka acknowledged the persistent rumor about Sinatra’s anatomy, answering with a laugh and a candid remark that left little doubt. He described what he saw as unusually large, and then joked about how the sight affected him.
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Anka, now in his eighties, framed the memory as one of many colorful moments from life around Ol’ Blue Eyes. He also compared Sinatra to other entertainers, noting that some peers, like Milton Berle, made even bigger impressions in surprising ways.
Inside the Rat Pack: saunas, jokes and backstage life
Anka’s memories are rooted in the Las Vegas scene where Sinatra and the Rat Pack ruled showrooms and social rooms. He often shared casual moments with the group, including time spent in saunas.
- Shared routines: sauna sessions and late-night chats.
- Close-knit scene: Anka describes camaraderie among performers.
- Comic relief: impressions of peers such as Milton Berle.
These vignettes reveal the informal side of a glittering era. They show how legends behaved offstage, and how small moments can fuel big stories.
The tale behind “My Way”: how a French song became an American classic
Discovering “Comme d’habitude”
While vacationing in France, Anka heard a tune called “Comme d’habitude.” He was struck by its melody and quickly bought the rights.
Writing the English lyrics at 24
Back in New York, the young songwriter sat down at a typewriter and wrote new English lyrics. He later described that session as one of the rare times he felt certain he had created something special.
Anka was only 24 when he penned what would become “My Way.” He knew it had weight, even if a hit is never guaranteed.
Sinatra’s reaction and the song’s swift rise
Anka sent his version to Sinatra. Within weeks, Sinatra recorded it and phoned Anka from the studio to share the playback. Anka recalls hearing the track over the phone and being stunned.
The recording quickly became associated with Sinatra and soon entered pop culture.
How “My Way” spread: covers and pop-culture moments
The song’s reach extended far beyond Sinatra’s version. Artists from different genres have reinterpreted it.
- Elvis Presley offered his own take.
- Sid Vicious recorded a punk-inflected cover.
- Filmmakers used the song for dramatic effect, notably in Goodfellas.
“My Way” became a cultural touchstone, appearing in films and on countless stages worldwide.
Paul Anka today: films, albums and continued work
Anka remains active in music and media. He is the subject of an HBO Max documentary titled “Paul Anka: My Way,” which premiered on Dec. 1. The film revisits his career and his ties to Sinatra.
He also has new music on the horizon, with a fresh album expected early next year. Even now, Anka blends storytelling with song and still draws attention for both his past and his ongoing projects.
