NEWS

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 12:03 AM November 11, 2019

Engelbert Humperdinck, the iconic pop singer known for his enduring easy listening ballads like “The Last Waltz” and “Release Me,” is set to return to Manila anew—this time for his ongoing world tour, “The Angel On My Shoulder.”

Mounted by Mr. P Entertainment’s Joed Serrano, with the Inquirer as media partner, the one-night show tomorrow at the New Frontier Theater—will have the British crooner performing his well-loved hits, which likewise include “After the Lovin’” and “This Moment in Time” (call 8911-5555).

While he has already performed in the Philippines a couple of times in the past, it seems like Humperdinck, whose real name is Arnold George Dorsey, doesn’t seem to get tired of visiting the country.

“I look forward going there because I always have a good time. People are fun and warm,” the veteran music artist told the Inquirer in a previous phone interview, adding that traveling around is one of his passions. “No matter the language people speak, the music speaks louder. It’s all about being able to entertain them.”

Dubbed “The King of Romance” during his heyday, Humperdinck amassed a considerable following with his smooth singing and flamboyant fashion style. Humperdinck is a four-time Grammy nominee, has released dozens of studio albums and sold more than 150 million records.

At the age of 83, Humperdinck is still very much active, even devoting time to social media to connect with fans while on tour. “I didn’t think I would be spending my life in the industry this long. But through hard work and the help of good people, I’m still here, doing what I love most,” he said. —ALLAN POLICARPIO

https://entertainment.inquirer.net/351171/why-engelbert-humperdinck-loves-performing-in-ph#ixzz64vHJ1S9I 

By Vanessa Mostafa - October 24, 2019 Asia Live 365

Engelbert Humperdinck shares with us his latest song ‘You’, singing with this grand-daughter, and what he thought of new popular artists like Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars.

For more than five decades, the renowned romantic crooner has shared a love affair with fans of every age, on every continent. Known for classics such as ‘The Last Waltz’, ‘Quando Quando Quando’, and ‘There Goes My Everything’, Engelbert’s music has withstood the test of time, and remains as the exemplary global entertainer with one of the world’s most instantly recognized voices.

Ahead of his concert in Singapore next month, we at AsiaLive365 spoke with the Master of Ballads on his music, why he still loves touring so much and what to expect at his show on November 5th 2019.

ASL365: Hi Mr Humperdinck, Vanessa here from AsiaLive365. Welcome back to Singapore and congratulations on the upcoming new EP – ‘Reflections’. We at AsiaLive365 love the song ‘You’ – it is definitely a piece that one could meld into. The colours are gorgeous. Tell us – what was it like recording the music video for this piece, and can we expect to see you appear in more videos in the future?

Engelbert Humperdinck: Thank you. I am always happy to come to Singapore. I really enjoy performing to audiences who appreciate the art of a good song…from the words, music, orchestration and delivery.  I have been so fortunate to have amazing songwriters and arrangers over the past 52 years and I never forget what it takes to create a longstanding career.

I’m glad you feel the same as I do about “YOU.”  I had a wonderful and magical time shooting that video at the Houdini Estate.  It was beautiful and mystical with many intriguing nooks and crannies that inspired stories in my head. I’ve always wanted to be an actor, but never had the luxury of time to take off to explore that creative side of me.  The big clock behind me, in one scene, made me think about the acting, so I was inspired to act out the song,

I’m definitely up for the next video. They are little “Moments In Time” that are captured forever. 

ASL365: In ‘The Man I Want To Be’ album, you recorded the song ‘I’m Glad I Danced With You (with Olivia)’, with your granddaughter Olivia. It is such a beautiful, endearing and heartwarming duet, and Olivia has such a beautiful strong voice. Can we hope to hear more of such gorgeous duets in the near future?

Engelbert Humperdinck: Olivia had just turned 9 when she did that song. She was shy, like me, and only sang at home. She had to be promised her first puppy to sing for others. She knocked it out of the park in the studio and on stage. If you check the credits, you’ll see why the song was so spot on.  I won’t give more away but I never get tired of singing that real story of the first time I met my wife and the life that followed.

ASL365: You’ve done renditions/covers of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Photograph’ and Bruno Mars’ ‘Just The Way You Are’. What was the reason for picking these artists’ songs and what are your thoughts on the musicality of these young artists?

Engelbert Humperdinck: The stories behind these two artists are so amazing, and it shows up in their music and artistry.  Ed is such a solid writer who brings our realities to song. I had already covered his “Thinking Out Loud”…first sung to me by my other granddaughter, Kiki. So many of the lines in the song hit home.

Bruno’s writing and delivery of a song are so infectious. I just knew he was going to be mega. I told him so when he was 5 years old. “Just The Way You Are” is a great song that I can’t wait to get to the chorus, because its got such an epic feeling when you sing it…feels like every heart opens when they sing along. We slowed it down so they lyrics can be soaked up and to give it an Engelbert branding.  My producer suggested both songs and I instantly added them to the CD material.

ASL365: We hear that you love being on tour. What has been the most memorable tour experience to date, and what do you always look forward to, to being on tour?

Engelbert Humperdinck: There’s still nothing like it. Music is my life’s blood and playing live feeds my soul, which probably explains why I’m still going strong.

There are plenty of tour experiences, but a couple come to mind from the early days and recently….

I was in Monaco, and returning from a yacht . My road manager and I headed into our hotel and noticed a large crowd at the entrance. I walked up behind and asked a guy what all the fuss was about. Without looking at me, he said “Engelbert Humperdinck is staying in the hotel” and then got on his toes to see what more he could see. It was so funny and awesome at the same time.

Flash forward fifty years, give or take a few, and I exited a hotel where the whole staff had gathered outside and surprised us all with a white flower petal shower.  It was unbelievable….like a movie. Music has taken me places I never dreamed I would go and I have been able to experience so many wonderful traditions. I am very grateful. I love traveling…seeing old familiar places and faces and going to new lands and meeting new friends.

ASL365: What can we expect to feel at your shows here in Asia? For instance, should we bring tissues? Or do you still throw your red handkerchiefs out?

Engelbert Humperdinck: Bring tissues, as it is a sentimental show at heart, and you may need one also if you dance to “Quando..”.

I do still throw the red hankies. You better wear steel toe boots if you sit in the front row. It’s my signature piece and it’s still in high demand, after all these years.

See You Soon Singapore!!!!!

ASL365: Thank you Mr Humperdinck. And see you at your show next month!

The Legendary Superstar and Master of Ballads, Engelbert Humperdinck, will return to Singapore to bring his ‘The Angel On My Shoulder’ Tour on November 05, 2019 at University Cultural Centre Hall.

Tickets are priced at $78, $98, $128, $148 and $168 via SISTIC. Pre-show party tickets, which includes a variation of house pours and finger food are also available here.

Special thanks to LAMC Productions and Mr Engelbert Humperdinck for the interview.

https://asialive365.com/speaking-music-with-engelbert-humperdinck/

October 18, 2019 OK Good Records

Music icon, Engelbert Humperdinck releases a cover of Toby Keith’s “Don’t Let the Old Man In”, from Clint Eastwood’s recent film, “The Mule”.

Esteemed vocalist, Engelbert Humperdinck, returns with a brand new single, “Don’t Let the Old Man In”, off of his upcoming EP, “Reflections”. Originally written by Toby Keith for Clint Eastwood’s film, “The Mule”, Engelbert makes the tune uniquely his own while staying true to the song’s message. Keith wrote the song after a conversation he had with Eastwood. When asked how he continues to work his busy schedule at the age of 88, Eastwood stated, “I don’t let the old man in.”

Keith’s intention behind the tune mirrors Engelbert’s own fervor for his career, as he continues to release new and introspective music, while touring extensively across the United States, Europe, and Asia year after year. Splash Magazine recently regarded:

“[Engelbert] may be one of the few octogenarian performers who not only defies the aging process, but whose songs have never been more riveting. To listen to his latest creations is to discover a profound sensitive maturity that only enhances his…appeal. Unlike many of his peers, Humperdinck refuses to sit in a rocking chair, and instead loves to tour, with scheduled upcoming performances in Japan, Singapore, and the Philippines.”

The song is featured in his upcoming EP, Reflections, which includes fan favorites from his recent live shows such as “You”, “Angel on My Shoulder”, as well as “I’m Glad I Danced With You (with Olivia)” (Candlelight Mix), and a new arrangement of Engelbert’s classic, “Ten Guitars”. Reflections is currently a tour exclusive, but the EP will be available for fans to purchase online and in stores at a later date.

Engelbert is currently on tour in North America, which includes stops throughout the West Coast and Midwest in October, before returning to the East Coast for the latter half of November. He will also be making stops in Singapore, Tokyo, and Honolulu. He will continue to tour the United States into the beginning of 2020 before the start of his European tour on May 12th in Hamburg, Germany.

“Don’t Let the Old Man In” is available now for download/streaming:

iTunes | Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon | Google Play

http://www.okgoodrecords.com/blog/2019/10/18/engelbert-humperdinck-releases-new-single-dont-let-the-old-man-in

By Markos Papadatos     Digital Journal, October 15, 2019

Westbury - Veteran British entertainer Engelbert Humperdinck will be releasing his new "Reflections" EP on November 15 via OK! Good Records.

This EP will feature fan-favorite songs from his latest live concerts, as well as newer material such as "You," "Angel on My Shoulder" and his own distinct rendition of "Don't Let the Old Man In" by country star Toby Keith.

On his new song "You," the pop crooner remarked, "It has become a fan favorite and is now a powerful signature song for me, much like 'My Way' was for Frank Sinatra." 

Humperdinck added that it was "very exciting" for him to film his first proper music video for "You," especially since the song is "so special" to him. While he noted that it is "rare" for him to do music videos, making the video for "You" has sparked his desire to do more of them.

Affectionately known as the "King of Romance," Humperdinck recently celebrated his 50th year in the entertainment business. In 2018, he released his latest holiday album, Warmest Christmas Wishes, which Digital Journal described as "nostalgic."

On November 23, Humperdinck will be performing at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury on Long Island.

To learn more about veteran English pop singer Engelbert Humperdinck, his music and tour dates, check out his official website.

http://www.digitaljournal.com/entertainment/music/engelbert-humperdinck-to-release-new-reflections-ep-this-winter/article/559823#ixzz62Sx0JmzP

By JONATHAN FRAHM 10 Sep 2019 Pop Matters

For over 50 years, Engelbert Humperdinck has been one of the foremost faces of easy listening music. His sonorous, velvet vocals have been the driving force behind timeless traditional pop ballads, and he is still singing to this day at 83. Released in May as an ode to motherhood, Humperdinck impressed with the richness and warmth of his newest single, "You". His live performance of the song has become a flagship of his recent tours, leaving ample room for the singer to pull heartstrings with its resonant chorus and crisp, full-bodied instrumentation.

In his decades of recording, Humperdinck has never done a proper music video until now. There have been live videos taken from his live performances. But his official video for "You" is the first time that he is performing in a conceptualized piece. The class and finesse that have pervaded so many of his performances prior is just as palpable here, just with the added twist of it being the long-standing artist's first performance of this nature. The audiovisual presentation of "You" is a romantic gift to his wife, Patricia Healey, on her birthday, 10 September.

Humperdinck tells PopMatters, "I'm really loving introspective songs now that reflect on my life's experience and put in meaningful words how I feel about myself and the ones I love most–my wife, my family, and my fans. A perfect example is my latest song 'You', written for me by renowned British songwriters Jon Allen and Jake Fields."

"'You' has become a fan favorite and is now a powerful signature song for me, much like 'My Way' was for Frank Sinatra or 'Yesterday When I Was Young' for Charles Aznavour. It was very exciting for me to do my first proper music video for a single release, even more so for a song that's so special to me. It's a rare event for me but making this one has sparked the desire to do more. The location (the Houdini Estate) was spectacular and stirred up just the right magic to set this beautiful song to screen. I'm happy this performance won't disappear. I hope the fans will enjoy it as much as I did filming it."

https://www.popmatters.com/engelbert-humperdinck-you-premiere-2640279767.html?rebelltitem=2#rebelltitem2

By LuAnn M Thibodeau

Posted May 17, 2019 at 12:58 PM, Wicked Local Medford

Magical, majestic, almost mythical...

From the first note of “Crazy,” to the last note of “For The Good Times,” Engelbert Humperdinck didn’t fail to please his fans at the sold-out Chevalier Theatre Friday, May 10.

Starting promptly at 8 p.m., The King of Romance, clad in a dark gray tux and pants, accented by a signature red shirt, had the crowd in his hands as #thevoicethatmeltsbutter sang a mixture of his older song standards as well as many of his new ones.

Such fan favorites, many of which are gold or platinum records, such as “Am I That Easy to Forget” (“my lucky song,” Humperdinck said), to “Il Mondo,” “The Way It Used To Be” and “Blue Spanish Eyes,” Humperdinck kept the audience glued to his performance. Along the way, Humperdinck paid homage to his longtime friend and songwriter extraordinaire, Les Reed, who recently passed away. He broke down as he sang the triple platinum song that Reed wrote for him, “The Last Waltz.”

Humperdinck also sang some of his newest hits, such as “Angel On My Shoulder” (which is also the title of the current tour) and “I’m Glad I Danced With You,” a song written by his daughter and her partner, and through the wonders of modern technology, he was accompanied by his granddaughter Olivia, as she appeared on the giant screen and sang his wife Patricia’s part.

Humperdinck again was emotional as he sang this song to his wife, who has been battling Alzheimer’s Disease for more than a decade. He also introduced his new single, “I Need You,” which began streaming (“what does that mean, streaming?” he quipped), a song he dedicated to the audience because “without you, I wouldn’t be here.”

More than just a great singer, the thespian of music also entertained his fans with jokes and stories along the way. At one point, the band broke into a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday,” as the crowd sang along and sent wishes to the recently turned 83 years young Humperdinck (May 2). He thanked the audience and said he felt 53 – and looks the younger age as he has lost 31 pounds and looks slim and trim as he moves and dances around the entire stage.

The man – the legend that myths are made of – performed for almost two hours without a break. Backed by an excellent band and two female singer/dancers, Humperdinck had complete command of the stage throughout the night.

And always wanting to acknowledge the love of his fans, he thanked them as he said “applause is the food of an artist, and thank you for not starving me or my band tonight.”

He ended his last song by shaking hands with all of the fans that had gathered around the stage, then donned a bright red boxer’s robe with gold wings and “Engel” printed at the top and “Bert” at the bottom, and received the last of many standing ovations as he mimicked a prize fighter and showed some good boxing and martial arts poses, then exited stage left, until he returns for what his fans hope will be many, many more concerts.

Humperdinck is definitely not ready to retire from a career that was catapulted by his blockbuster hit song “Release Me,” which knocked the Beatles from number one when it came out on Jan. 13, 1967, and which he sang with his rich baritone voice that has a range of three and a half octaves, something that most singers can only dream of. And the man and the legend live on and on.

https://medford.wickedlocal.com/news/20190517/engelbert-humperdinck-shines-in-two-hour-chevalier-theatre-show

By Markos Papadatos     May 11, 2019 Digital Journal

On May 10, Englishman Engelbert Humperdinck surprised mothers everywhere by releasing his brand new Mother's Day song, "You."

Even at the ripe age of 83, his voice is rich and powerful as ever. "You" will definitely resonate well with his fans and listeners, especially the mothers.

"You" was written for Humperdinck by acclaimed British songwriters Jon Allen and Jake Fields. It starts off in a haunting fashion and it morphs into an anthem of grace and appreciation. Humperdinck's resonant vocals are smooth as silk.

His career has surpassed five decades and he is regarded as one of the greatest traditional pop vocalists in the music industry.

On November 23, Humperdinck will be performing at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury on Long Island.

"You" is available on iTunes and on Amazon.

The Verdict

With his song "You," Humperdinck proves that he still is the reigning "King of Romance." "You" garners an A rating.

For more information on Engelbert Humperdinck, his tour dates and "You," check out his official Facebook page.

Read more:  http://www.digitaljournal.com/entertainment/music/review-engelbert-humperdinck-releases-you-ode-to-mother-s-day/article/549564#ixzz5nqdzgHjM

Vents Magazine May 10, 2019

Much has been written and said about ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK, the King of Romance. His fans love the romantic and heartfelt love songs that he has been releasing for them with great regularity over the years. And as a surprise to mothers everywhere, Engelbert is releasing his special tribute to moms around the world with the new song “You” which is released to DSPs everywhere today in advance of Mother’s Day which is this Sunday, May 12th.

Everyone admires the spry octogenarian for his stamina and showmanship live for over 50 years and is captivated by the undeniable charisma, charm, and warmth he displays in abundance onstage. He has earned his iconic status as one of  the great traditional pop singers of the last fifty years.

Having performed the song around the world in recent months,“You” has become one of the fans’ favorites and is now a powerful signature song for Engelbert, much in the way “My Way” did for Frank Sinatra or “Yesterday When I Was Young” for Charles Aznavour.

Rather than a fitting bookend for his career, Engelbert sees his recent songs as a tool of creative  rejuvenation, allowing him to re-invent himself as an artist for the many years to come he plans to entertain the world with his music.  Long Live the King of Romance!

“You” is now available at the following digital platforms:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2DZmdsW

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2Ja0rH3

iTunes: https://apple.co/2Hop7IL

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2VTWaxy

https://ventsmagazine.com/2019/05/10/engelbert-humperdinck-surprises-moms-everywhere-with-mothers-day-song-you/

By Richard Burnett • On April 4, 2019 Curtainsup.TV

A candid Q&A with pop icon Engelbert Humperdinck

When I first interviewed Engelbert Humperdinck a decade ago, he was riding another wave of popularity after recording the song Lesbian Seagull for MTV’s 1996 adult cartoon film Beavis and Butt-Head Do America.

The filmmakers liked that Engelbert – or ‘Enge, as in Stonehenge’ – has a sense of humour, a character trait much on display when he performs live in concert.

But about Lesbian Seagull, Mr. Humperdinck told me, “They asked me to sing a serious ballad and I listened to the song and it was quite beautiful. So if being gay can happen in humans, it can happen to birds. And I support that. We should all have freedom of life.”

It’s no surprise that, in addition to his big voice, Mr. Humperdinck has a big heart.

Born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras, British India, the ninth of 10 children, in 1936 (he shall turn 83 on May 2, but looks much, much younger), Humperdinck shot to fame in 1967:  His massive hit Release Me prevented The Beatles from scoring their 13th U.K. Number One hit (with their double A-side Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane), and is in the Guinness Book of World Records for selling the most singles in that era.

Humperdinck became the toast of Swinging London and would conquer the world, selling more than 140 million records worldwide.

Today, the ever-popular Humperdinck is riding yet another wave of popularity following the recent airing of his PBS TV concert special Engelbert Humperdinck in Hawaii recorded live at the historic Hawai‘i Theatre in Honolulu in August 2018.

Humperdinck brings his Angel on My Shoulder World Tour to Montreal for three nights at Place des Arts, from April 10 to 12, and recently sat down for a candid Q&A about his life and career.

Curtains Up: I read that you like to visit a local church when you perform in a new city. You have been performing in Montreal for many years. Have you visited a church in Montreal?

Engelbert Humperdinck: I probably have, because I do everywhere I go. This time for sure because I’ll be in Montreal for quite a length of time. They say that if you pop into a church in another country and ask for a favour, it will be granted.

What do you ask for?

I pray for my family, I pray for my wife because she is not in very good health at the moment (his wife Patricia has Alzheimers) and I am hoping it will improve very soon.

I think you also like to visit hospitals?

I sometimes do visit, if I have time.

Could you talk to me about healing? You have a gift.

I guess God has been good to me, has given me a few things in life, he gave me my voice and some people say they find peace and calmness from listening to it, and I think that is a form of healing that I am glad that I have.

My mom and I recently watched your Engelbert Humperdinck in Hawaii TV special on PBS. Your voice sounds amazing. What do you do to keep your voice in shape?

I’m just lucky. I don’t do anything specific to keep in it shape. I never get nodes on my throat which you get from singing incorrectly. I haven’t had a voice lesson in my life so I don’t really know how to sing properly. But I think I’ve been given a gift, and I sing properly anyway!

You haven’t lost any of your vocal power.

No I haven’t, but I have come down a semi-tone.

You also look great. What’s your secret?

When I started to do that special in Hawaii, I hadn’t done a special in a while and I thought to myself, “If this is going to be around for a long time, then I want to look like I looked many years ago.” So I went on a serious diet, a serious exercise regimen and I dropped 31 pounds.

Your Hawaii TV special also reminded me of another great TV special filmed in Hawaii, Elvis Presley’s Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite in 1973.

Yeaaaah! That was one of the reasons I wanted to do a special there, because of the connection I had with Elvis. I wanted to do something that he also did.

Do you miss your old friend?

I do miss him very much.

I always thought Elvis started the sideburns craze. But it was really you!

It was me! I brought it to America, I brought it to Canada, I brought it to the world. I started it in 1965. Elvis didn’t start his until around 1970-71.

I was trying to create an image. So I told my manager at the time, Gordon Mills, “I have to create an image. Everyone starts at the head!” Like The Beatles all had one hairstyle (here Engelbert sings a Beatles-esque “Woooo!”)

Even Yul Brynner started his own look.

It all starts with the head. No one looks at your feet when you walk onstage. So I dyed my hair black and grew sideburns and created a style for my first television show. My manager even told me, “You better shave them off, they look ridiculous!” I said no. Soon the Beatles and Elvis also grew sideburns. Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers, you name the name, they all put on sideburns after me.

Back in the day visiting performers used to stay at your home in Vegas. I’m thinking Dean Martin?

Dean was a very good friend of mine. As a matter of fact, Dean took a shine to me because I played at his hotel, The Riviera, the first high rise on the strip. Dean was a co-owner. It was a classic hotel. He used to put his name on the marquee: “Dean Martin presents Engelbert Humperdinck.” He never did that for any other artist. I was the only one. I used to dine a lot with him in L.A.

Vegas has changed incredibly over the decades. What do you think of the city Vegas has become?

It’s more than a city, it’s a small country! Even Lake Mead, which was a familiar place for performers to go sunbathe and water ski, the water level is way down low now because they can’t cope with all the people who have moved into the city. When I went there, there was about eight hotels, now there’s a hundred hotels.

I once visited the Liberace Museum in a Vegas shopping mall off the strip. Sadly, the museum is now closed.

Lee was a very good friend of mine.

When Liberace played in Montreal back in 1944, a publicist at the Mount Royal Hotel changed his name from Walter Liberace – pronounced Lib-ber-ayse – to the more showbiz Liberace with a hard-c Italian pronunciation. Liberace was being paid $350 a week to play at the hotel’s Normandie Roof ballroom and left Montreal a star.

Lee was an incredible performer. As a matter of fact, I used to visit his home over here in Los Angeles, and also in Vegas. He had beautiful houses. He certainly knew how to decorate them!

Jimi Hendrix played guitar for you. What was that like?

He didn’t play for me. He was in the show. They wanted somebody known to introduce him to Europe, so they used my name. He did the first half of the show. Then one day my guitarist didn’t show up and Jimi told me, “Don’t worry, man, I’ll play for you.” I said, “You can’t come onstage and play, Jimi.” And he said, “Don’t worry, I’ll play behind the curtain!” And people were wondering where this fantastic guitar sound was coming from! It was quite an experience, no pun intended. He sounded like three guitars!

Do you still have a collection of motorcycles?

I still have one motorcycle. I used to have five Harleys but you can only ride one at a time. So I sold four of them because they were crowding my garage. Now I have two cars and a motorcycle, and that’s enough.

You used to ride your Harley from concert to concert, no?

I didn’t do that. That’s a bit difficult! But I still like to ride.

When was the last time you rode your Harley?

Right here recently in the hills! I don’t like to go on the main roads very much, so I like to stay on the Pacific Highway. It’s an open road. It helps me get the wind in my face.

People must be surprised to see Engelbert Humperdinck pull over and take off his helmet.

It’s always a surprise! (Laughs)

You’ve been to Montreal a million times. What would you like to do in Montreal when you return?

I don’t know what the weather is going to be like, but if it’s nice I’d like to play some golf. The last time I was up there during nice weather, I played on Céline Dion’s golf course. Montreal is a wonderful city and my fans there have supported my career from the very beginning. I always enjoy returning to Montreal.

Engelbert Humperdinck headlines Théatre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts on April 10, 11 and 12. For tickets, visit placedesarts.com.

http://curtainsup.tv/an-audience-with-engelbert-humperdinck/

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times, April 6, 2019

The singer whose career has flourished for more than a half-century is Engelbert Humperdinck, who will be bringing his “The Angel on My Shoulder Tour” to the American Music Theatre (2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, 800-0 648-4102, www.AMTshows.com) on April 7.

In a career spanning 50 years, Humperdinck has earned 64 gold and 35 platinum albums, four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe, and stars on the Hollywood and Las Vegas Walks of Fame.

He has recorded everything from the most romantic ballads to movie theme songs, disco, rock, and even gospel.  Some of the evergreen hits that belong to Engelbert include “After the Lovin’,” “The Last Waltz,” “Spanish Eyes,” “Quando, Quando, Quando,” and the unforgettable “Release Me,” which spent 56 consecutive weeks on the charts.

“The longevity of your career depends on how hard you work,” said Humperdinck, during a phone interview Tuesday afternoon from his home in Los Angeles.

“I’ve always wanted to be in show business, and I’ve maintained it by giving people what they want to hear – going all the way back to songs such as ‘Release Me’ and ‘A Man Without Love.’ I continue to play shows around the world. I just came back from a tour of Australia, Tahiti, New Zealand, Malaysia and Indonesia.”

Ironically, Humperdinck wanted a career in music but never wanted to be a singer.

The youngest boy of a family of 10 children originally from Leicester, England, he grew up in Madras (Chennai), India, where his father was stationed during World War II. He knew he could sing harmonies, but the power of his own voice came as a surprise to him and other people.

According to Humperdinck, “It’s just so loud, but I discovered I can be tender with it at the same time. My mother’s side of the family had the singing voice so I must have inherited that from her. My father was a man’s man – strong, athletic, charismatic. And I like to do all kind of men things. I love sports, golf, tennis martial arts, soccer, skiing, but, at the same time, yes I do appreciate women.”

Humperdinck’s appeal is more than just his voice. It includes his endearing sense of humor and self-deprecating jokes – and his ability to connect with audiences.

At the age of 11, Humperdinck, whose birth name is Arnold George Dorsey, started studying music and playing the saxophone. When he was 17, he was playing at a pub that sponsored a singing contest. Goaded by his friends to enter, he put down his sax and for the first time revealed another vocal talent — impersonations. He gave an incredible impersonation of comedian Jerry Lewis and was quickly dubbed Gerry Dorsey by his fans. It soon became his professional stage name.

Gerry Dorsey was very popular on the UK music circuit and in 1959 he released a single called, “Crazybells/ Mister Music Man” on Decca Records. However, he contracted tuberculosis, which silenced him for six months and nearly ended his rising music career. Upon regaining his health, Gerry Dorsey knew he had to end his former image to make a comeback as a strong, dynamic performer. A former manager suggested the new moniker.

The name Engelbert Humperdinck was taken from the Austrian composer who wrote “Hansel and Gretel.” It was outrageous enough to be memorable.

Humperdinck exploded onto the music scene in the 1960s in England along with The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. The shy handsome boy catapulted almost instantly to world icon. He became great friends with Elvis Presley and the two legends often performed each other’s songs.

His first single in the charts was “Release Me,” which went into the Guinness Book of Records for achieving 56 consecutive weeks on the charts. It was No. 1 in 11 countries.

“Making a set list for my shows is difficult,” said Humperdinck. “My show has been tried-and-tested. But it’s hard work putting it together.

“I don’t want to sit at home and put my feet up. I’m always doing something. If I’m not riding my motorcycle, I’m playing golf, writing songs or working on the house.

“I used to write songs a lot but not now. I am responsible for my musical arrangements. I make a big judgment on what is going to appeal to the masses. My audience is an unbelievable cross-section – people of all ages from very young to very old. For me, that’s really nice to see.”

Humperdinck’s life has been filled with highlights. One of the most recent had nothing to do with music.

A native of Leicester, England, he has been a life-long fan of Leicester City F.C., a football team in England’s Premier League. In the 2015-2016 season, the Foxes won their first-ever Premiership title. It was a remarkable event considering British bookmakers thought Leicester’s victory was so unlikely that Ladbrokes and William Hill offered odds of 5,000-1 for it at the start of the season.

“That was so great when Leicester won the Premiership,” said Humperdinck. “Being such a fan, it really meant a lot to me. I even had the opportunity to hold the (championship) Cup.”

Video link for Engelbert Humperdinck — https://youtu.be/G6G3L3jOSpU.

The show at the American Music Theatre will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $69.

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