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Frank Sinatra's My Way has a surprising origin and history

Frank Sinatra's version of 'My Way' made the song iconic.

In the bustling city of Las Vegas, known for its glitz, glamour, and penchant for risk-taking, there is one man who played a vital role in shaping its identity: Frank Sinatra. His iconic residencies during the Rat Pack era in the 1950s, along with his timeless hit 'My Way,' epitomized the essence of Vegas. This year's Super Bowl organizers recognized Sinatra's significant influence and paid tribute to him. But little did they know, Sinatra's rendition of 'My Way' was not the first. It had already embarked on a fascinating journey before reaching Ol' Blue Eyes in 1968.

The story of 'My Way' begins in France in 1967. A Parisian composer named Jacques Revaux crafted a heartfelt ballad with English lyrics titled 'For Me.' Despite Revaux's efforts to find the perfect vocalist for the track, including pitching it to the likes of Petula Clark, it was met with rejection. Undeterred, Revaux transformed the song into 'Comme d'habitude' ('As Usual') with the help of singer Claude François and lyricist Gilles Thibault. In February 1968, their rendition became a hit on the French pop charts.

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