This is a Blog about the fascinating backstory of the quintessential song, “My Way”.
Popularised and iconically sung by Frank Sinatra, it started out as a French song called “Comme D’Habitude”. Along the way, Paul Anka heard it, loved it and acquired the rights to the song, re-wrote it specifically for Frank Sinatra to sing. The rest is hi$tory and Paul Anka’s a very rich man.
My Rare Paul Anka “My Way” All Access Stage Pass (above image). I love Anka’s handwritten lyrics of “My Way” in the gold tinfoil pass surface. The self-assuring anthem is a staple on radio’s popular playlist.
The original song in French, “Comme D’Habitude” was written by Jacques Revau, Gilles Thibaut and Claude Francois; and was frst recorded by Claude Francois in 1967.
Panul Anka heard the French original while on vacation in the south of France. He flew to Paris to negotiate the rights to the song. The astute man acquired adaptation, recording and publishing rights for the nominal, but formal, consideration of one dollar (!), subject to the provision that the three songwriters would retain their original share of royalty rights with respect to whatever versions Anka or his designates created or produced.
Back in New York, Anka re-wrote the original French song specifically for Frank Sinatra in mind. On 30 December 1968, Frank Sinatra recorded his version in ONE take. Do Google the great song for more interesting details.
Today, “My Way” is one of the most popular chest-beating anthemic songs to be ever written.
Paul Anka will receive song royalty in perpetuity as long as “My Way” is sung.
Next time, you hear “My Way” on the radio or are at the karaoke bar belting out the favourite karaoke staple, “My Way”, dedicate it to Paul Anka.
