TIFF: Paul Anka Sings “My Way” at Toronto Doc Premiere Dinner

Paul Anka performed “My Way,” the signature song made famous in 1969 by Frank Sinatra, on stage at a post-premiere dinner for Paul Anka: His Way, a documentary about the Canadian singer-songwriting legend that had a world bow at the Toronto Film Festival.

The celebratory dinner at Union Station in Toronto had Anka, now 83 years of age, recounting a career over decades and genres. He recalled at the Fountainbleau Hotel in Miami being told by Sinatra at a dinner that he was about to quit show business.

“I’ve had enough,” Anka said he was told, but not before Sinatra added he needed to complete one last album. With his young wife Mia Farrow at his side, the legendary singer added: “You never wrote me that song.”

Now under pressure, Anka returned to New York City and, seated at his piano after midnight, penned that famous ballad for a performer whose end was near and facing the final curtain. The next day at dawn, Anka rang Sinatra to say his newly-penned song inspired by his retirement was done.

“It did so much for me and for him. It was such a big hit, he stayed ten more years. Show’s you what a hit record will do,” Anka added after Sinatra recorded My Way.

Paul Anka: His Way, directed by John Maggio and produced by Blue Ant Studios, PA Doc and Ark Media, recalls an eight-decade career that brought the Ottawa-born artist  global success. Anka just before his performance talked from the Union Station stage about the lessons he learnt while making the documentary.

“It comes down to a simple question, folks, of what really, really matters. It all comes to an end — wealth, fame and power — it will all shrivel. It will not matter what you own. Grudges, resentments, frustration and jealousies will all disappear, as well as your hopes, your plans, your ambitions and the To Do lists. Things like wins and losses that once seem so vital will simply fade away,” Anka said.

“So what will matter? What will matter is not your success but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage and sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence but your character. What will matter is not how many people you knew or how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone. What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what,” Anka added.

The Toronto Film Festival continues through to Sept. 15.