NEWS

By Glenn Evans gevans@news-journal.com | Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2015 4:00 am

Engelbert Humperdinck remains a romantic after nearly a half-century of recording in studios and crooning for audiences.

“No matter what I do, it’s always great for me, but I know live performances are my best, my favorites,” Humperdinck said as he prepared for a tour which will bring him to Shreveport on Saturday. “It’s great to see an audience that I can hold in my hand for an hour and a half, two hours and take them to another world. And it stays in their minds for a week or longer.”

Humperdinck is one of a trio of big names set for live shows in the region on Saturday.

Brian McKnight will bring his contemporary rhythm and blues sound to the Resort Legends Theater in Diamond Jack’s Casino in an 8 p.m. show.

And the Empress of Soul herself, Gladys Knight, will bring her Grammy winning voice to the Winstar Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Knight takes the stage at 8 p.m.

Interviewed from his home in California, Humperdinck said the romantic song remains his favorite.

“It was for me from the get-go,” he said. “I got named the King of Romance for them. People still call me that. The songs I sing are romantic songs, and those are what make the world go ‘round.”

That doesn’t mean that singer of classics such as, “Release Me,” and, “Quando, Quando, Quando” is all black-tie and formal. Audiences can expect a relaxed romantic in the Margaritaville Resort Casino.

“I’m going out this time very casual and less tied-up on top,” he said. “They need to see a more relaxed performer instead of one tied up with a bow tie.”

He’ll be singing from his September release, “Engelbert Calling,” as well as classics from a portfolio of 63 gold and 24 platinum records.

The new album is a compilation of duets with fellow legends including Willie Nelson, Elton John and Winona Judd.

“Gene Simmons was amazing in the studio,” Humperdinck said of the KISS front man. “He brought some pizzazz into the studio.”

He stays busy, working in media interviews on a rainy Saturday.

“When the weather is better, I’m out playing golf or riding my Harley,” he said.

He’s revved up for the upcoming tour after enjoying the holidays with visits from his two kids and eight grandchildren. The little ones don’t call him, Engelbert — or even GrandpaDinck.

“Actually, the ones from Australia call me Booma,” he said. “And the one from Nashville calls me, Pa.”

He hopes audiences will call him often.

“It’s the kind of show that I take all over the world,” he said. They’ve got to hear the songs they know well. It’s got to be well-timed, it’s got to be well-lit. I really get a good reaction from the crowds. It’s been a great journey, and I hope it never ends.”

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If you go

What: Engelbert Humperdinck in concert

Where: Margaritaville Resort Casino, 777 Margaritaville Way in Bossier City, Louisiana

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Cost: $45 to $70

Tickets: Call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or go to www.ticketmaster.com

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