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Sir Michael Caine Reveals Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ as Ultimate Song Choice
In a revealing 2009 interview segment, celebrated actor Sir Michael Caine recounted the moment he first encountered his idol, Frank Sinatra, and how he ultimately selected one of Sinatra’s iconic songs as his all-time preferred musical piece. The Oscar-winning performer shared this during his appearance on BBC Radio 4’s esteemed program, Desert Island Discs.
Desert Island Discs Selection
During his participation in the Desert Island Discs radio show, a format where guests choose eight significant songs they would take if isolated, Caine’s selections spanned a diverse range of musical styles. His chosen tracks encompassed everything from grand orchestral pieces embodying English patriotism to soothing electronic melodies.
The Ultimate Favorite: ‘My Way’
As the program drew to a close, the presenter inquired about Caine’s definitive favorite among his chosen songs. The distinguished two-time Academy Award recipient then declared the 1969 classic anthem, ‘My Way’, as his paramount tune.
The French Origin of an Anthem
Frank Sinatra’s signature song, ‘My Way’, famously adapted from the original French composition ‘Comme d’habitude’, entered Caine’s awareness uniquely. Initially, his introduction wasn’t through Sinatra’s rendition, but via the French version performed by Claude François.
“Years ago, I was in Paris,” Caine reminisced. “And I was acquainted with a singer named Claude François. He had a recording of this song titled ‘Comme d’habitude’”.
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A Familiar Melody in Sinatra’s Voice
Years passed, and unexpectedly, Caine found himself watching a Frank Sinatra performance when a sense of recognition washed over him.
“Sinatra began to sing, and I sat there pondering, ‘I recognize this melody.’ [Songwriter] Paul Anka, a friend, was present with us. I questioned him, ‘Have I encountered this song previously?’ He responded, ‘Yes. It originated as a French song.’ I inquired, ‘Claude François?’ And he confirmed, ‘Indeed.’”
Anka had reimagined the melody, crafting new English lyrics tailored for Sinatra, resulting in what would become one of the most recognizable and enduring songs of the twentieth century, ‘My Way’.
Meeting an Idol: Sinatra and Hollywood
Caine’s connection to Sinatra extended beyond mere admiration. Their paths intersected in the mid-1960s, a period when Caine was beginning to gain traction in Hollywood circles.
“Shirley MacLaine, a prominent star, possessed the prerogative to select her leading actor,” Caine recounted. “She viewed ‘The Ipcress File’. Subsequently, she invited me to Hollywood for the first time, hosting a gathering to introduce me to influential figures.”
Caine was still relatively unknown to American audiences at that juncture. However, the guest list at MacLaine’s party boasted legendary figures from Hollywood’s golden age. “The first arrival was Gloria Swanson. She was of petite stature, shorter than expected – approximately five feet tall. And the second individual to enter was Frank Sinatra.”
Caine vividly recalled the momentous occasion with deep respect. “They weren’t there for my benefit. They all came to see Shirley. But that evening, I met my idol – Frank Sinatra.”
Caine’s Diverse Musical Palette on Desert Island Discs
The remaining seven musical selections Caine presented on Desert Island Discs offered a more comprehensive view of his diverse musical tastes and preferences:
Eclectic Song Choices
- ‘Viva La Vida’ by Coldplay: Caine opened with this track, stating his long-held appreciation for disco music. “I’ve always been a big disco enthusiast,” he remarked. “And I admire Coldplay. This song has a disco-esque feel to me — though I acknowledge it’s superior to typical disco.”
- ‘One Day Like This’ by Elbow: This track represented a more recent musical discovery for Caine. “I was watching Glastonbury last year, as one does in their senior years. And they appeared on stage. I initially wondered, ‘Who on earth are they?’”
- ‘Nimrod from the Enigma Variations’ by Elgar: This classical piece represented “a moment of patriotic pride” for Caine. “The subsequent selection is less romantic. It embodies my identity as a deeply patriotic Englishman. I feel a strong sense of Englishness and patriotism for the entire nation.”
- ‘No Ordinary Morning’ by Chicane and ‘Swollen’ by Bent: These were described as “two relaxing records” intended for unwinding and creating a chilled atmosphere.
- ‘Move Closer’ by Phyllis Nelson: This song was categorized as “A profoundly romantic track”.
- ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ by John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band: Closing his selections was this poignant Christmas anthem. “I knew and held John in high regard,” Caine explained. “We were both attending the Cannes Film Festival, perhaps indulging in a bit too much drink, which led to a more personal acquaintance. He consistently introduced himself as John Lemon.”
“There’s a parenthetical phrase after the song’s title, specifically ‘War is Over.’ Regrettably, that is not yet the reality. However, it remains a universal aspiration.”