The Frank Sinatra song "My Way" is very powerful. It has loads of drama, intensity, and emotional significance for many people. Most of us think of Frank Sinatra's version of the classic song, but others have covered it as well. Elvis Presley, for example, did it. The famous writer of "My Way," Paul Anka, was not too thrilled about the King of Rock and Roll getting his hands on it. We were curious about why Anka felt that way.
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Paul Anka Really Did Not Want Elvis Presley Doing 'My Way'
Anka wrote the song for Sinatra to hopefully revive his sagging career, per showbizcheatsheet.com. "While Sinatra was hesitant to take the song, he eventually recorded a version. Elvis was a huge fan and told Anka he had plans to cover it," per the outlet.
Elvis was bent on doing the song. And Anka was equally insistent that it was not the right material for him. So the two were at loggerheads. Elvis plowed ahead. He incorporated the song in his repertoire and sang the cover, despite Anka's entreaties not to.
Anka Explained His Opinion In His Memoir
By the 1970s, Elvis was flailing personally and professionally. He was not the Elvis of old anymore. He no longer embodied the tough, swaggering idol who attracted millions of fans all over the world. Anka believed that he just did not have the persona to sing "My Way" convincingly.
Sinatra Himself Was Worried About Elvis When He Was Hospitalized
According to the outlet, Sinatra reportedly said, "When I called the hospital in Memphis, the girl on the switchboard asked: 'Who's calling?' and when I replied: 'Frank Sinatra,' I fully expected her to say: 'Oh, yeah, and I'm the Queen of England' or some such dumb line. But she must have recognized my voice because, a few seconds later, Elvis came on the line."
Sinatra added, "I told him he's got to look after himself and quit fooling around. He's too young to die, and I told him so."
Frank Sinatra Came To Dislike The Song
Per the outlet, Tina Sinatra discussed her dad's feelings about "My Way." "He always thought that song was self-serving and self-indulgent. He didn't like it. That song stuck, and he couldn't get it off his shoe."
