Though his biggest hits date back decades, Anka is discovering a fresh, enthusiastic audience thanks to TikTok. Songs like “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” his rendition of “My Way” for Frank Sinatra, and even “(You’re) Having My Baby” are being repurposed in short-form videos, gender-reveal clips and creative reels—prompting renewed interest from listeners of all ages.

Anka and his publisher, Primary Wave, are watching the platform’s influence closely. The phenomenon is also chronicled in the HBO documentary Paul Anka: His Way, which premieres on Dec. 1. The film follows Anka’s life and career and captures how new generations are discovering his catalog.

Reflecting on the attention, Anka finds the experience both surprising and gratifying. He recently performed for 10,000 people in Mexico City and noticed younger fans drawn to his music because of social media. What once would have seemed unimaginable—the global reach of an app like TikTok—has instead become a valuable conduit for his songs to live on.

Reluctant Subject, Trusted Creators

Despite the current appetite for music documentaries, Anka was cautious about allowing his life to be filmed. He declined earlier offers that felt unserious or creatively misaligned. That changed when he connected with director John Maggio (known for Mr. Saturday Night) and his team. Their approach earned his trust, and Anka ultimately ceded significant creative control, allowing the filmmakers to follow him closely. The finished film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this year.

Times of His Life

Anka’s narrative is vast. He left Ottawa for New York at 15 and shot to fame with “Diana” in 1957, becoming part of a wave of pop stars that included Pat Boone and Bobby Darin. Over the decades he established himself as a prolific songwriter and performer—placing 48 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including ten top 10 hits and two number ones.

Beyond his own recording career, Anka’s writing and collaborations shaped other artists’ success. He contributed to or wrote material associated with Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly (“It Doesn’t Matter Anymore”), Sammy Davis Jr. (“I’m Not Anyone”), Tom Jones (“She’s a Lady”), Barbra Streisand (“Jubilation”), Michael Jackson (“Love Never Felt So Good”) and Drake (“Don’t Matter to Me”). He also composed “Johnny’s Theme” for The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson—a composition he says helped support his family.

For the documentary, Anka insisted the film emphasize his craft as a writer. He wanted audiences to understand that songwriting was the foundation of his career, not merely a byproduct of stardom. That creative focus guided the project’s tone and narrative choices.

Personal Choices and Hard Lessons

The film touches on Anka’s personal life—three marriages and six children, one of whom is married to Jason Bateman—yet it avoids sensationalized tropes. Anka speaks candidly about the temptations and dangers he observed in the industry early on and credits deliberate lifestyle choices—discipline, moderation and self-care—for sustaining his long career.

He also addresses his past associations with powerful figures in the entertainment business. While he knew several influential, sometimes unsavory characters, Anka stresses that his relationships never left him feeling compromised; instead, they were mutually respectful business arrangements.

Til the Mornin’ Comes — A Stage and Studio Return

With the documentary released, Anka is focused on two major creative ventures: an autobiographical jukebox musical and a new studio album. After passing on earlier theatrical teams, he’s partnered with Canadian producers and engaged Rupert Holmes (The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Curtains) to write the book. Anka says the musical is “in process” and expects it could take up to two years to refine—likely beginning with an out-of-town tryout in Toronto before any Broadway ambitions.

Coming sooner is Inspirations of Life and Love, Anka’s first album since 2021, set for release on Feb. 13 via Green Hill Music and Sun Label as part of a Primary Wave series. The 11-track record (with a deluxe edition that adds four bonus tracks) blends fresh interpretations of standards—like “It Was a Very Good Year,” “That’s Life” and “Let Me Try Again”—with new original material. The recordings feature the Budapest Scoring Orchestra and arrangements by Bill Ross, Carlos Rodgarman and others, aiming for a lush, ballad-forward sound rather than uptempo pop.

Anka says his motivation isn’t chart position or reviews but the pursuit of meaningful work: to create something distinct he can be proud of. He also had a scheduled appearance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live on Dec. 1 to coincide with the documentary’s debut.

Even now, decades into his career, Anka insists he hasn’t reached his final summit. He remains energized by the challenge of doing something different and by the opportunity to connect with both new fans and longtime listeners.