Paul Anka’s Enduring Legacy
At 84 years old, Paul Anka remains a vibrant figure in the music industry, with his classic hits like “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” and “My Way” enjoying renewed popularity, particularly on platforms like TikTok. Anka, who has embraced this modern medium, finds it gratifying that younger audiences are discovering his music through social media. His works are featured in numerous TikTok videos, contributing to a resurgence of interest in his extensive catalog.
The upcoming HBO documentary, “Paul Anka: His Way,” set to premiere on December 1, chronicles his remarkable journey in the music world. Anka has partnered with Primary Wave to document his life and career, highlighting the influence of his songwriting on both his contemporaries and new generations of fans.
New Projects on the Horizon
Anka is not resting on his laurels; he has several projects in the pipeline, including a new album expected in 2026 and a jukebox musical that reflects his life and career. He acknowledges the saturation of documentaries in recent years but felt compelled to share his story after connecting with director John Maggio, who he trusted to portray his narrative authentically.
“I didn’t want any talking heads or superficial commentary. I wanted to focus on my journey and the music that defined it,” Anka stated. His documentary aims to emphasize his role as a songwriter, a title he holds dear. With 48 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including ten top ten hits and two No. 1s, Anka’s contributions to music are significant.
A Lifelong Commitment to Songwriting
Anka’s songwriting prowess is evident in the many artists he has collaborated with over the years, including legends like Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly, and Michael Jackson. He has always believed in the power of writing, advising even the Beatles during their early days to prioritize original material. “The writing thing was what I was about,” he explained. “I wanted to educate people about my contributions to music, and that’s what I hope the documentary achieves.”
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Anka’s personal life, which includes three marriages and six children, is also touched upon in the documentary, but he steers clear of the typical pitfalls often featured in celebrity narratives. Anka has made conscious choices throughout his life to maintain his health and career longevity, stating, “If you want to be around and coherent, you have to keep your life together.”
Looking Ahead
As he prepares for the release of his new album, “Inspirations of Life and Love,” on February 13, Anka reflects on his creative drive. This album, which features new arrangements of classic standards alongside original material, signifies his ongoing commitment to creating music that resonates emotionally. Anka has collaborated with the Budapest Scoring Orchestra and aims to present a fresh take on familiar songs.
“There’s not a lot of uptempo stuff; we wanted to keep it very rich and ballady and emotional,” he remarked. With the documentary and musical on the horizon, Anka is excited about the future. “I haven’t put my flag on my mountain yet. I’ve got the energy to do it, and I want to create something different that I can be proud of.”