Let me tell you a story about a true music icon, Paul Anka. In an exclusive sit-down with Closer Weekly, the legendary singer opened up about his unforgettable days with the one and only Rat Pack. Now, if you're not familiar, the Rat Pack was a group of entertainers who ruled the Vegas scene back in the '50s and '60s. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and others made up this iconic crew. Paul wasn't just a fan; he was right there in the middle of it all.
From Teen Sensation to Seven-Decade Legend
Paul's journey in music began when he was just a kid. He burst onto the scene with hits like "Diana," "Puppy Love," and "Put Your Head on My Shoulder." Fast forward to today, and at 76 years old, he remains the only artist to have a Billboard Top 100 hit in seven consecutive decades. That's right, folks—seven decades! Along the way, he's performed alongside the Rat Pack, written Frank Sinatra's timeless anthem "My Way," and continues to tour the world. "I tell people: I don't have a job. I have a passion," Paul shares with Closer Weekly. That's the kind of energy that keeps him going strong.
Frank Sinatra, the king of cool.
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Breaking Into the Rat Pack
Now, imagine being one of the youngest guys to ever hang with the Rat Pack. That's exactly what Paul did. He recalls those days with a smile, saying, "Me, Bobby Darin, and a few others started in pop music, and we wanted to test ourselves. How were we going to evolve? At the time, The Beatles hadn't hit the scene yet, so the Rat Pack was the only group to look up to." These were the guys who set the standard for music and entertainment, and Paul was right there learning from the best.
The Soft Side of the Rat Pack
Paul also shares a unique perspective on the Rat Pack's personalities. "Spending time with them in the steam room or just socializing, they knew exactly who they were. They had this incredible wisdom about handling their success," he explains. But don't let their tough exteriors fool you—there was a softer side to these legends. "Frank Sinatra would sometimes say, 'If I could just get another hit...'" This sentiment inspired Paul to pen the iconic "My Way" for Frank. It's a reminder that even the greatest artists are always striving for more.
The Rat Pack—Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and more.
Paul reminisces about writing "My Way" for Frank Sinatra. "I was in my late 20s, having dinner with Frank in Florida. He told me he was quitting because he was dealing with a lot of pressure and challenges, but he wanted to do one last album. I realized that if I wanted to write something for him, it had to be now. So, I wrote it the way he talked—'spit it out,'" Paul adds. Interestingly, when the record company found out Paul had written the song for Frank, they weren't thrilled that he didn't keep it for himself. But hey, sometimes the best work happens when we least expect it.
For more incredible stories from Paul Anka, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available now at newsstands. And don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for exclusive updates and news!
