Introduction:
Elvis Presley, the undisputed king of rock and roll, throughout his career embodied a rebellious spirit and a captivating persona. But in 1970, he delivered a surprising and powerful rendition of a song that resonated with a different side of his persona: My Way. Originally written by French singer Claude François and songwriter Jacques Revaux with lyrics by Gilles Thibaut, “My Way” was given an English adaptation by Paul Anka in 1969. Anka, who had written numerous hits for Presley throughout the 1960s, initially believed the song wouldn’t be a good fit for the King, but Presley himself insisted on recording it.
Presley’s version of My Way, released in 1971 on the compilation album Elvis in Concert, brought a new dimension to his repertoire. The song, with its introspective lyrics about looking back on a life filled with experiences, both good and bad, struck a chord with audiences. Presley’s powerful vocals and nuanced delivery imbued the song with a depth of emotion that resonated with fans who had grown up alongside the King’s meteoric rise to fame.
My Way became a surprise hit for Presley. While Frank Sinatra’s version, released two years earlier, achieved greater commercial success in the US, Presley’s rendition climbed the charts in the UK and became a staple of his live performances throughout the 1970s. Notably, his live performance from Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite in 1973 became a cultural touchstone, further solidifying the song’s place in Presley’s legacy.
Even after Presley’s passing in 1977, My Way continued to find new audiences. A live recording of the song released shortly after his death became a top-selling single, reaching number one on the US Billboard Country chart. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Presley’s ability to connect with his fans on a personal level, and his willingness to explore themes of reflection and introspection throughout his career. My Way stands as a unique and powerful entry in the King’s vast catalog, offering a glimpse into the soul of a man who lived life on his own terms.