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New Paul Anka Documentary Getting Rave Reviews
Normally, I would probably not be all that interested in a documentary on Canadian singer Paul Anka, because I wasn’t a big fan. But the reviews of a new HBO film called “Paul Anka: His Way” have all been full of praise.
And if, like me, you’re not a huge supporter, it’s easy to forget the guy did more than just “The Times of Your Life” and the execrable “You’re Having My Baby.” He was also responsible for writing “She’s A Lady” for Tom Jones, composing the theme from Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, and oh yeah, writing Frank Sinatra’s signature hit, “My Way.”
Not bad for a kid from Ottawa who was lousy at sports.
If you get HBO Canada or are reading this from the U.S., the documentary premieres Monday night at 9, with multiple airings thereafter. If not, and you’re curious, you can’t do it My Way. You’ll have to find Another Way. But the reviews make it sound like it’s worth your while to do just that.
HBO documentary provides a comprehensive portrait of Paul Anka
- paterson1
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Re: New Paul Anka Documentary Getting Rave Reviews
Mr. Anka is also a guest on Jimmy Kimmel tonight.
- tvguy
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Re: New Paul Anka Documentary Getting Rave Reviews
A really enjoyable doc. Fantastic archival footage, well paced. One of our favourite scenes was Anka eating a soft ice cream cone on a street in Tokyo and casually chatting with some other people...who eventually realized who he was...seemed to be many interactions with fans that appeared to be genuine.
- paterson1
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Re: New Paul Anka Documentary Getting Rave Reviews
I enjoyed it as well. Didn't realize that Anka had success early in his career putting out albums in Japanese, Italian, French, German etc. He was a star in those countries and would tour. Paul Anka is the last of that 50's generation of solo artist. He had one big advantage in that he was a music arranger and writer. Really liked the segment when everything changed in 1964, he and many other artists were bounced off the radio by the tidal wave of the British Invasion. To his credit he still flourished as a writer, and rebounded back as an artist in the 70's.
- Fleadh
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Re: New Paul Anka Documentary Getting Rave Reviews
^^^
Among the last, obviously. Pat Boone predates him on the charts and both played shows and landed a song on the AC charts this year (which honestly seems like it'd involve some kind of shenanigans).
Now, you couldn't give me a free ticket to see Boone, but it is what it is.
Most impressive - to me - is Dion, who is still making bona fide rock and roll records, including this year. He was recruited as a solo artist/the Belmonts were essentially formed around him, and by 1961 the albums were just Dion.
Anyways, all respect to Anka and the verite NFB doc from 1962 is still really watchable:
And a nifty little take on Anka's mid 70s (I Believe) There’s Nothing Stronger Than Our Love from the Trans Canada Highwaymen (Moe Berg of TPOH, Chris Murphy of Sloan, Craig Northey of Odds and Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies):