Burton Cummings is the first to admit he hasn't "lived the life of a Buddhist monk," yet after 50 years in music, people are still complimenting him on his voice.

Now, just two months short of turning 65, Cummings has another album coming out Oct. 30. Massey Hall is a definitive look back at his entire career, from early hits like These Eyes and American Woman right up to the title track off his last album, Above the Ground, all recorded last year at the venerable Toronto concert hall.

Cummings says when he returned to the road with a tour last year, he received lots of comments on the longevity of his voice, which is still hitting the high notes.

In an interview with CBC Radio's cultural affairs show Q, the former Guess Who frontman said he quit smoking two years ago and has cut back on drinking, but he's still a night owl.

Keeping that singing voice is a matter of luck and sticking with it, he said.

"When I'm in the car and somebody comes on the radio singing the high notes, I try to sing along," he said.

"It's like a runner or a swimmer training all the time. I sing every day."

Cummings said he has dozens of followers on Facebook and over the internet, and he never resents singing the old hits, many of which are included in Massey Hall.

"I still try my best to recreate the records just the way they sounded. I have no trouble with singing these songs the rest of my life," he said, though he adds that he's promised himself he'll stop when his voice is fading.

Cummings performed the songs Clap for the Wolfman and Laughing in the Q studio.