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The iconic performer and composer Paul Anka is the main character in an HBO documentary entitled ‘#PaulAnkaHisWay,’ which will be on air from December 1st. The film will portray the life of the artist who has not only been a star for several decades but also experienced the transformation of the music industry during his lifetime.
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The trailer for the documentary presents Anka as nothing less than “a total force of nature,” which suggests that the former is having a significant impact on the project considering that he is also in the teaser. Anka, amidst reflection, expresses, “none of my contemporaries, Sinatra, and other guys are around anymore,” thereby pointing to the uncommonness of his being as a living link to the wonderful era of the music world. The footage shows the artist contemplating the transitory nature of fame, and he even remarked, “no one could assure me that I would be there forever. This is one of the reasons I took the plunge and started writing for others.”
That plunge, however, was so greatly rewarded that it became a major surprise. Anka was only 25 years old when he had over a dozen first-class singers like Davis Jr., Presley, and Sinatra recording his songs. “The feedback I got was completely different from what I usually receive for my earlier compositions,” he confesses in the clip. The documentary, as it seems, tries to highlight the character of a man who, even at the age of eighty, still gives off the vibrant personality of a starter. “I am so much alive living this wonderful, wonderful life” declares Anka. “There is still a long way to go for me. The peak of the mountain is clearly visible to me, but I am not there yet.”
The announcement that Paul Anka will star in the documentary created a storm of love, and at the same time, it was a reminder of regret from his loyal fans. One user expressed his thoughts and feelings that others might have, “He’s still got it! I’m still in love with him! I saw him for the first time when I was a teen. I’m 67 now.” Such a testimony highlights the close, inter-generational tie of the fans with Anka and his music.
Another fan told a very personal and cute story of how and when they met Anka thirty years ago. They mentioned to be at a concert in Vancouver in 1981-82 and meeting him backstage. “In between songs, he came down from the stage and gave my little girl a rose and asked if he could kiss her on the cheek, saying he missed his daughters,” the user said. “He was very kind. Very kind and handsome.” Although this event took place a long time back, it shows the artist having an impact on the fan, giving the impression that the artist has won the fan’s lifetime loyalty.
The excitement about the documentary is indisputable. Among others, it was “Can’t wait to see this!!! What a legend!” and “The whole world will love it!! It’s so nice!!!” that were tagged along with the announcement. A fan, who simply stated “My teenage heart is still beating!” perfectly captured the legendary and heartthrob appeal that Anka has managed to maintain since his early years.
Moreover, foreign fans also participated in the discussion. An international fan made the comment in Czech and the translation reads, “You are a stud, Mr. Anka!!!”. An Italian fan also stated, “You still deserve so, so, so much success.”
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The story of Paul Anka is one of the supreme genius as well as the power of recreation. He not only wrote the music but also lived the different ages of the industry along as a performer, thus passing through the “baby” stage of the music world to its modern-day market. The new HBO documentary is a glorious tribute to a man who, in his own words, is still climbing the top of his mountain. The records have given the evidence that he never wasted a day, and this documentary will most likely show that he continues to reach new heights. This project is among several new HBO shows generating buzz.