NEWS

Engelbert Humperdinck may be just three years short of his 80th birthday, but he has just recorded an album of duets with some of the biggest names in world music.

The Leicester singer has finished recording the tracks after drawing up a "wish list" of artists he wanted to work with.

Engelbert has teamed up with singers including Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Elton John, Willie Nelson, Lulu, Smokey Robinson and Gene Simmons, lead singer of US rock group Kiss.

The album, Engelbert Calling – recorded in London, Nashville and Los Angeles – is due to be released on March 17.

Engelbert, who lives in Los Angeles and Great Glen, said: "My son and manager, Scott Dorsey, started putting this together more than two years ago because there are so may international artists who are constantly touring the world.

"It's taken time to get producers, singers and schedules in the same place. It's been a labour of love and I'm truly proud of how it's turned out."

Duets he has recorded include a cover of the Shirley Bassey classic Never Never Never with Olivia Newton-John, Something About The Way You Look Tonight with Elton John and To Make You Feel My Love with country music legend Willie Nelson.

Sir Elton said his new recording pal was "one of the sweetest and nicest people I have ever worked with."

"We had a great time singing together. He is 77 years old and still sounding as good as ever."

Engelbert said: "I am truly thrilled to be working with some of the greats of show business and am honoured Sir Elton has contributed to this album.

"I had an absolute blast recording and measuring tongue sizes with Gene Simmons. He won – just."

Engelbert is already planning a follow-up album of duets called Engelbert Redialled.

He said he had six stars lined up and did not rule out the possibility of recording with Leicester's X Factor winner Sam Bailey.

He said: "Sam is a huge talent and of course I would love to be able to give her a leg up the ladder of success and, after 50 years in this business and 150 million record sales, I could offer her that."

Son Scott said: "It has always been a passion of mine to record a great contemporary CD with my father and his peers.

"With all the legendary collaborating artists, the CD comes together in a very raw, open recording. I love it."

Engelbert's new album – his 80th, including compilations – comes 45 years after his number one single and signature tune, Please Release Me.

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http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Duets-album-pairs-Enge-Elton-Smokey-Cliff/story-20425935-detail/story.html#ixzz2q1xjCeoB