From: Kevin Cronin<\/p>\n
Paul Anka was a bit before my time, but of course I had heard of him. I\u2019m not gonna lie, I saw him as a Rat Pack wanna be. I knew he was a writer, but the songs were not really my thing. Then I watched the documentary!<\/p>\n
The first thing that got me was the sound of his voice. It was unique, almost Sting-like. At the age of sixteen, he had solid pitch and time. And a certain little quirk in his tone and phrasing that I had never noticed. The scene where he is sitting at the piano, figuring out the ubiquitous C, Am, F, G chord progression blew me away. I did that exact same thing when I was in high school. Those chords form the infrastructure of all pop songwriting \u2026 \u201cHandy Man\u201d, \u201cThis Boy\u201d, \u201cRhythm of the Falling Rain\u201d \u2026 the list goes on forever. \u201cIn Your Letter\u201d from our Hi Infidelity album could have been written by Paul Anka. It\u2019s those same four chords.<\/p>\n
And his pure desire and drive! He personifies the idea that to make it in music, you have to need it. Everybody wants to be a star. Everybody wants to write hits. But some people actually need it for their very survival. It is what they were put on Earth to do.<\/p>\n
Anyway, once again I totally agree with you. Anyone who is in the entertainment business, or \u00a0wants to be a professional entertainer needs to see this doc. I freaking loved it. \u2026 kc<\/p>\n
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Your post is a masterclass on everything that’s wrong with AI-generated music.<\/p>\n
Craig Anderton<\/p>\n
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I watched it last night. \u00a0Brilliant!<\/p>\n
Johnny couldn\u2019t screw Skitch Henderson\u2026\u2026\u2026..UNTIL he got half the song and cowriting credit. \u00a0Skitch who?<\/p>\n
Mike Bone<\/p>\n
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Couldn\u2019t agree more, Bob. Loved this biopic. As a former musician (cellist in Lighthouse and eventually a writer and associate professor of screenwriting), I\u2019ve always been connected to music and film. I saw the Paul Anka film at the Toronto film festival a year and a half ago. What I left feeling was the significance of reinvention and how, in some ways, plastic surgery and externals aside, reinvention can actually be a spiritual act. So, for all the outward trappings, there is a spiritual underpinning to Anka\u2019s journey in that his actual Voice never wavers. Just so happens that his drive is as strong as his voice which doesn\u2019t hurt if you want to make money too.<\/p>\n
When the Beatles came along his goose was cooked, even though he was an international teen Idol. But at that young and tender age he began to cultivate the art of reinvention. He learned to put his ego aside and pivot with his gift and remain on the path.<\/p>\n
Howard Wiseman<\/p>\n
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Hey Bob:<\/p>\n
A few years back Paul Anka released a rock \u2018n\u2019 roll record and when I heard him interviewed by Steve Jones and they played Black Hole Sun, I had to call him and tell him how much I loved it. I\u2019ve known Paul my whole life. My dad, Roy, and my godfather Norman worked with him as agents and managers from the 60s on. As a matter of fact, it was because of a tip from Paul that that they went and signed the Beatles to GAC and ended up booking their tours in the US. He is a true gentleman and icon. A couple of days later after the call, I received a package with DVDs of his interviews about the record and all the reviews. There\u2019s nobody like him. He is the most professional\/CEO\/ Star ever. He\u2019s also funny and immensely charming. A couple of years ago he was playing the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills and the audience was comprised of every demographic, but they all had in common the knowledge of all the words to all his Brilliant songs and they were singing away. \u00a0His daughters and sadly, deceased wife, are amazing people. He also has a son in law Jogi who is an 8 time Tour de France finisher. \u00a0As you said he could teach people how to be a star. Any interview with him is a master class in superstardom, but also in the history of the entertainment business. Anybody on the road to success needs to ask what would Paul do?<\/p>\n
Bill Gerber<\/p>\n
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Interesting read Bob.<\/p>\n
In the summer 2022 we brought Paul, in conjunction with Shuki Weiss ,to Israel.<\/p>\n
One show at the Roman amphitheater in Caesaria. Another at the Sultan\u2019s pools in Jerusalem. Sold very well. Although he\u2019s no youngster, Paul is the quintessential old school master entertainer. He worked the crowd without effort or a hitch, was thoroughly professional to work with\u00a0 and has a crazy, resonant and\u00a0 booming voice that he uses without any effects for a 2 hour plus show. Again, he and his crew were a real pleasure you work which as most promoters will tell you -is not a a given with some artists. I look forward to watching the doc.<\/p>\n
Hillel Wachs<\/p>\n
2b Vibes Music<\/p>\n
Tel Aviv – Jerusalem<\/p>\n
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And, he discovered John Prine, managing him and getting him signed. For that alone he deserves love.<\/p>\n
Bob Anthony<\/p>\n
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Couldn’t agree more. \u00a0This is one of the best music documentaries I can remember having seen. \u00a0And to add to what you’ve said, the guy is truly a lifer and destined to do this. \u00a0He couldn’t imagine doing anything else and doesn’t want to stop. \u00a0That level of dedication is rare and it should be celebrated. \u00a0Lastly, he’s not afraid to change with the times. \u00a0You hear him talk about Justin Timberlake, and Drake and embracing TikTok where he’s had his music trend. \u00a0The guy is hip and in-tune with the culture too and he loves interacting with people. \u00a0Truly a legend.<\/p>\n
Richard Young<\/p>\n
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Great perspective here. I came away from this documentary like a student reflecting on a lecture by a master. His ability to push forward, to pivot, to just show up. The harder he worked, the luckier he got. Imagine that.<\/p>\n
Peter Barsocchini<\/p>\n
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It\u2019s gotta be great. He\u2019s great. The bridge between the rat pack and Rock and Roll.
\nSaw him last year, the 75+ year old women love him!
\nGreat songs great talent great stories.
\nC\u2019mon Bob\u2026.he does it his way!
\nAv Miller<\/p>\n
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Thanks for this wonderful letter about Paul Anka. He is the real deal and I have been consumed with his career, his \u00a0Our Way podcast, his interviews and stories from now and back in the day! A Tour de Force and I\u2019m so glad you wrote this lovely and loving \u00a0letter in the midst of all the chaos right now.<\/p>\n
What a pick me up! Thank you –<\/p>\n
Best,
\nSharon Wright<\/p>\n
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Here’s the early doc on Anka. They lifted some of it for a really crazy 60’s movie called<\/p>\n
“Privilege”, that’s about a state-sponsored rock star.<\/p>\n