How Many Ways Can You Do It Your Way?

Besides the original recording of the song “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, the cover by Elvis Presley became a favorite. Sinatra recorded this well-known song in 1969, and the song became one of his signature songs. In 1967 a version of the tune titled “Comme D’Habitude” was recorded by its co-writer, French singer Claude Francois. While on vacation in France, Canadian singer and songwriter Paul Anka heard it and decided to adapt the song for Sinatra, who at the time was thinking of quitting the music business. Anka wrote a whole set of English lyrics and when presented to Sinatra, we all know how well that worked out and got him back into the recording studio.

Chicago jazz tenor saxophonist Gene Ammons created his version of “My Way” and featured it on his album Prestige. The song took on a soulful after-hours ballad sound with strings and a horn section just like blasting the blues.

Welsh singer Shirley Bassey is known for her powerful voice and clear diction. She is the First Lady of Song in Wales and recorded her version of “My Way,” featuring it on her album Something. The arrangement was made by Johnny Harris, with delicate harpsichord arpeggios building upon emotional intensity, adding heavy brass and strings.

American rocker Andy Black (real name Andy Biersack) was formerly a member of the band Black Veil Brides. He started his solo career in 2016. He added his solo version of “My Way” to all the covers adding energetic punk-style guitars.

Even Sinatra’s friend from The Rat Pack days got on the bandwagon. Sammy Davis Jr. recorded his version of “My Way’ and featured it on his 1970 album Something for Everyone. His was an upbeat, uptempo version.

Enter the French guitar group Gipsy Kings, based on Latin music, particularly Spanish flamenco. Recording “My Way” in 1987, they brought the song a Hispanic flavor and passion and re-titled it “A Mi Manera.”

The Irish finally arrived on the scene. After leaving the legendary Irish band the Pogues, Shane MacGowan created another band, recording the 1996 album Crock of Gold. It included a punk-inspired version of “My Way.”

Can’t leave the country stars in the dust. At the age of 85, American country musician Willie Nelson recorded his version of “My Way,” making it the title track from his 2018 Sinatra tribute album. It begins with guitar accompaniment and adds heart-wrenching harmonica sounds.

Elvis Presley was friends with Sinatra, and in the 1970s the King recorded “My Way,” making it a part of his live shows. During his 1973 TV broadcast “Aloha, From Hawaii Via Satellite,” he performed this song, and when Elvis passed away in August 1977, his record label released a single version of the song recorded for a TV special in June of that year.

Netherland born violinist and conductor Andre Rieu recorded “My Way” in 2015, featuring it on his album Magic of the Violin. His version was accompanied by the Johann Strauss Orchestra.

American singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist Nina Simone took the song and turned it into a percussion-driven soul symphony, featuring the song on her 1971 album Here Comes the Sun. She co-arranged her version with Harold Wheeler.

British singer Dorothy Squires scored a UK hit with her version of “My Way” and wound up in the UK Top 40 in 1970.

English bassist Sid Vicious just had to get into the action. Vicious was a member of the English punk band Sex Pistols who appeared in the 1980 film “The Great Rock’n’Roll Swindle” by Julian Temple, in which Vicious added his version of the Sinatra classic “My Way.” Vicious snarled through the song with a belligerent attitude, setting the way for other punk versions.

British pop singer Robbie Williams jumped in with his version in 2001, releasing a live version of “My Way.” It was recorded with the participation of the audience singing along and was recorded in concert at the Manchester Evening News Arena. There was a change of lyric from “I saw it through without exemption” to “I saw it through with a tax exemption.”

And now that “My Way” is on your mind and there’s a tear in your eye, think of Sinatra swinging on the horn of the moon, singing “Dooby dooby do,” and rolling his eyes at these versions.