Paul Anka, 84, Shares His Secrets to Staying Healthy and Thriving in the Music Industry: “You Just Have to Keep Writing”
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At 84 years old, Paul Anka continues to resonate with audiences, particularly on the social media platform TikTok. His classic hits, such as “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” and “My Way,” are experiencing a renaissance, finding new fans through soundtracked reels and celebrations on the app.
Anka, who is actively monitoring this trend alongside his publisher, Primary Wave, has embraced TikTok’s influence on music. This phenomenon is explored in the upcoming HBO documentary, Paul Anka: His Way, set to premiere on December 1.
“It’s somewhat amusing, in a sense, and gratifying,” Anka remarked. “I just left Mexico City, 10,000 people at a show, and I’ve got teenagers running around because of TikTok. No one would’ve predicted that there would be a TikTok. It’s unbelievable. But because of TikTok, all these kids know these songs. That’s great.”
New Projects on the Horizon
In addition to the documentary, Anka has several upcoming projects, including a new album slated for 2026 and an autobiographical jukebox musical. These initiatives will provide both new and long-time fans with deeper insights into his life and artistic journey.
Acknowledging the saturated landscape of documentaries, Anka expressed initial reluctance about his own film. “I felt like, ‘This doesn’t feel right,’” he explained of the creative discussions that preceded His Way with director John Maggio. Ultimately, he found enough synergy with Maggio’s team to greenlight the project, even allowing them considerable creative freedom. The documentary debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival this year.
“I didn’t really want to have any credits as a producer,” Anka added. “My whole take was, ‘You guys know what you’re doing.’ I wanted the focus to be on me without a lot of talking heads singing my praises.”
A Multifaceted Career
Anka’s storied career began when he moved from Ottawa to New York at age 15, achieving fame with his hit “Diana” in 1957. He became a leading figure of pop music, amassing 48 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including ten top 10 hits and two No. 1s. Anka has also penned iconic songs for artists such as Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly, and Michael Jackson.
Notably, he composed “Johnny’s Theme” for The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Reflecting on this achievement, Anka referred to it as his “college song,” adding that it financially supported his children’s education.
He emphasized the significance of his songwriting throughout the documentary. “I was a writer; that was my gravitas,” he stated. “As a kid, I knew I wouldn’t last if I wasn’t a writer. I encouraged the Beatles to write when I met them in Paris.”
Paul Anka: His Way delves into his personal life, touching on his three marriages and six children, one of whom is married to actor Jason Bateman. Unlike many artist documentaries, it avoids common angsty narratives, focusing instead on Anka’s choices and healthy lifestyle. “I made decisions about what I was going to do and what I wasn’t. I take care of myself,” he noted.
Additionally, Anka discussed his experiences with influential figures in the music industry, asserting that he never felt compromised by his connections to mob figures, stating, “They were gentlemen. I made money for them, and they respected me.”
Moving Forward
With the documentary on the verge of release, Anka is also developing a musical—an autobiographical piece that has been a long time in coming. He previously hesitated to pursue this avenue, citing concerns about the creative team. Now collaborating with Canadian producers and playwright Rupert Holmes, he feels optimistic: “I think he’s going to deliver something great.”
The musical is currently in development, with Anka anticipating a possible Toronto premiere within two years. “It’s a gamble,” he acknowledged, “but it feels like the right time in my life.”
On February 13, Anka’s new album, Inspirations of Life and Love, will be released, marking his first album since 2021. This collection features new interpretations of timeless standards alongside original compositions, showcasing Anka’s artistry with the Budapest Scoring Orchestra.
“We aimed to create something inspirational and about love,” Anka explained. “We’ve turned some classic uptempo songs into more emotional ballads, which I believe resonates in a unique way.”
Reflecting on his ongoing creative ambitions, Anka stated, “I haven’t put my flag on my mountain yet. I have the energy to do it, regardless of sales or critical acclaim. The challenge for me now is to create something different that I’m truly proud of.”
