By all appearances, Paul Anka was washed up. The Taylor Swift of his period, Paul was an exceptional songwriter and singer who hit stardom in his mid-teens. He became world famous. Married a beautiful French model. But in his 20s, the Beatles came to America. They were followed by groups such as the Rolling Stones and Herman’s Hermits. That era was called the British invasion, and Paul decided that his singing career was over. But he also considered himself to be a songwriter. Indeed, all his hits were songs that he had written. He had also written hit songs for other people. Paul decided that if he were to continue a career in show business, it would be as a songwriter.
Frank Sinatra befriended Paul and called him “kid.” One night in Miami, Frank invited him to supper. Over the meal, Frank confided, “Kid, after I finish this recording, I’m retiring. This is it.”
Paul couldn’t stop thinking about it. He had always wanted to write a song for Frank Sinatra. Now he knew that if he were to ever do so, it had to be now. A couple of days later, Paul returned to his apartment in New York City. It was night, and a thunderstorm raged outside. He had recently purchased a lovely melody he had overheard in France. That melody played in his mind over and over again. Paul pondered the fact that Frank Sinatra was quitting show business. Specific lyrics burst forth from his mind, and he wrote them down. He completed his song in five hours. With excitement and nervous tension, he called Frank long-distance. (This was way before cell phone service!) “Frank, I’ve got a song I’ve written for you,” Frank told him. “Bring it to Las Vegas; I’m performing one of my last shows.”
Paul did so, and shortly after that, Frank called Paul. “Kid, I’m in the studio. We’re recording your song for my last album. Tell me how it sounds.” Frank started to sing. “And now, the end is near, and so I face, the final curtain…” The song was My Way. Sinatra’s voice brought out every bit of emotion Paul had hoped for. Listening to Frank sing his words, Paul was so moved he cried. Here’s the twist: that song stopped Frank from retiring. My Way was such a hit that Sinatra stayed in the spotlight. That recording, and others, kept him at the top of popular culture. Frank Sinatra didn’t quit singing. Not for a long, long time.
Paul later said, “The effect that song had and the feedback I got was unlike anything I had ever written.” My Way became an anthem for singers such as Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. Even Sid Vicious, the punk rocker, gave it a try. Singers everywhere wanted to put their own stamp on it. I bet those royalty checks made Paul Anka smile. But what drove Paul to write one of the greatest songs of all time? A pure motive, and it brought out his best. Today, Paul Anka is considered one of America’s greatest singers and songwriters. Even now, at 84, he’s still out there, traveling the country and singing. He’s in great shape.
We all know about collateral damage. But what about collateral success? There are plenty of reasons to do what we do. But the strongest may be the unselfish motive. Think about that the next time you go to work.
Mark
Dr. Mark Edge
The WorkEdge Company
Telephone: 903-245-7851
Email: workedgetexas@gmail.com
Website: www.workedgetexas.com
Author of Holy Chaos. To purchase the book, click here: