🎶 Paul Anka: His Way — The Legendary Hitmaker’s 70-Year Journey Comes to HBO & Max on December 1

One voice. One pen. One unstoppable force of musical reinvention.

HBO’s upcoming documentary PAUL ANKA: HIS WAY peels back the curtain on one of the greatest songwriters of all time — a man whose melodies shaped decades, influenced icons, and still echo across the world today. From teen idol fame to penning timeless classics for the biggest legends in music history, this intimate and powerful film celebrates a seven-decade-long career defined by resilience, evolution, and a refusal to fade away.

If you think you know Paul Anka, this documentary will make you realize you’ve only scratched the surface.

🌟 A Living Legend Reborn: The Paul Anka Story Finally Told in Full

Premiering December 1 on HBO and streaming on Max, Paul Anka: His Way follows the Canadian-born superstar

through a life unlike any other — a journey from a young dreamer in Ottawa to one of the most influential songwriters the world has ever known.

Directed and produced by Emmy®-winner John Maggio, the documentary blends:

• rare archival footage

• electrifying historic performances

• modern-day concert moments

• intimate reflections

• global travels

• and candid conversations

This isn’t just a musical biography. It’s a road movie through memory, fame, heartbreak, reinvention, and a relentless passion for artistry.

🎤 From Ottawa to Global Stardom — The Rise of a Teen Idol

Before the world knew “My Way,” before he crafted themes for The Tonight Show, before the collaborations with icons, Anka was simply a kid with a voice too big for his small town.

The film traces his rapid rise:

• signing his first record deal as a teenager

• dominating charts with early hits

• becoming a global sensation long before social media or streaming existed

• learning the music industry from the inside out

His charm, work ethic, and songwriting genius pushed him beyond “teen idol” status — transforming him into one of the most respected creators in music history.

🕺 The Hitmaker Behind the Icons: Sinatra, Elvis, Aretha, Nina, Buddy & More

The documentary reveals the staggering breadth of Anka’s influence. He didn’t just sing hits — he wrote them, reshaped them, reinvented them.

Expect rare archival performances of Anka-penned songs by:

• Frank Sinatra

• Buddy Holly

• Elvis Presley

• Nina Simone

• Aretha Franklin

• and many more

And yes — the film gives a deeper look into the creation of the iconic anthem “My Way.” It’s a moment that defined Sinatra, elevated Anka, and became one of the most recognizable songs in the world.

🎧 Reinvention: When the Industry

Changed, Anka Changed With It

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is Anka’s ability to evolve. When new genres exploded and the music landscape shifted, he didn’t resist — he reinvented.

The documentary highlights:

• His collaboration with Drake brings two eras of Canadian talent together

• His bold cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

• His impact on television music through the Tonight Show theme

• His cross-genre influence spans jazz, pop, rock, soul, and beyond

At 84, Anka still tours, still writes, still performs, and still surprises audiences — proving that true artistry doesn’t age.

📽️ Behind the Scenes — The Team That Brought His Story to Life

Paul Anka: His Way is an HBO Documentary Films and Ark Media production in association with Blue Ant Studios, with an impressive team of executive producers and collaborators who helped shape this powerful narrative.

🎬 Creative Team

• Director/Producer: John Maggio

• Executive Producers: Caroline Kimmel, Irving Azoff, Lawrence Mestel, Randy Lennox, Jo Henriquez, Charlie Corwin, Laura Michalchyshyn, Sam Sniderman, Dorin Razam, Zachary Herrmann

• Producer: Monica Berra

Their collective vision gives the film its emotional depth, cultural significance, and sweeping musical scope.

🌍 Why This Documentary Matters — And Why 2024 Is the Perfect Moment

Music trends evolve, but legends endure . Anka’s life story is a reminder of what survives when the spotlight dims: talent, tenacity, creativity, discipline, and passion.

This documentary arrives at a moment when:

• nostalgia is booming

• legendary artists are being rediscovered by new generations

• audiences crave authenticity and stories of real perseverance

Paul Anka: His Way doesn’t just revisit history — it celebrates a man who shaped it.

📅 Release Details

PAUL ANKA: HIS WAY

🎥 Premiere: December 1, 2024

⏰ Time: 9:00–10:40 PM ET/PT

📍 Where: HBO

💻 Streaming: Max

🎶 Genre: Documentary | Music | Biography

Mark the date — music history takes center stage.

❓ FAQs — What Fans Want to Know

Is this Paul Anka’s first major documentary?

Yes — this is the most extensive, career-spanning documentary ever made about him.

Does the film feature new interviews with Anka?

Yes — it includes fresh conversations, current tour footage, and personal reflections.

Does it explore his writing of “My Way”?

Absolutely — it’s one of the film’s emotional highlights.

Will it include performances by other artists?

Yes — rare clips from legends who performed his music.

🌟 Final Thoughts — A Tribute to a Music Titan Who Never Stopped Evolving

Paul Anka is more than a legend — he’s a blueprint for longevity.

A writer. A performer. A visionary.A man who crossed generations, genres, and global borders with a single truth:

Great music never dies.

Paul Anka: His Way is a celebration of the hits, heartbreak, reinventions, genius, and the unstoppable soul of a man who shaped the soundtrack of multiple eras.

“He didn’t just write music.He rewrote what a lifetime in music could look like.”

December 1 — one night, one story, seven decades of brilliance. Don’t miss it.