NEWS

Rich Lopez | jrlopez@mrt.com | Updated 4 hours ago

Singer Engelbert Humperdinck must have somewhat of a thing for Texas. He started the latest leg of his tour in the Lone Star State and even has a touch of Texas in his latest album.

“I love those Texas crowds,” he said. “They always make me feel invigorated.”

In a career that spans across six decades, Humperdinck is hardly at a stopping point. In 2014, he released the double album of duets “Engelbert Calling,” he had a number one hit in the UK with the collaborative track “All Together Now” that raised money for the Red Cross and, of course, his tour, which expanded into 2015.

“If I didn’t have this, the music, I’d just die,” he said.

He was preparing for his Texas concerts at the time of this interview and revealed that despite all of his experience, he’s rather nervous.

“I am and I always go through this same thing. I’m a nervous wreck before the first show and I don’t know what it is. My legs shake, my hands get cold until I hear the audience,” he said.

In the face of that, he says he’d rather feel that than nothing at all.

“I think in some ways it gives me an edge. I don’t want to be complacent for the people who pay to come see me. So, being nervous makes me feel in a way like I still care, which I do,” he said.

He describes the show as tried and tested featuring signature hits such as “Release Me” and “Am I That Easy To Forget,” as well as covers of contemporary songs and tracks from his newest release.

Although an album of duets, he’ll perform tracks for the album virtually with his fellow performers.

“Engelbert Calling” marks his 80th release and of all the types of music he’s done over the years — disco, adult contemporary, pop — he’s never done a full-on album of duets. With 23 tracks, maybe he’s making up for lost time.

While much attention has been given to his duets with Elton John and KISS’ Gene Simmons, a few Texas artists joined him for the ride.

Gilmer-born Johnny Mathis sings with Humperdinck on “A Certain Smile” and Houston’s Kenny Rogers shares his song “She Believes In Me” with Humperdinck. The singer is quick to show his appreciation for them.

“To be on the same album with the likes of them, with all these legendary performers, it’s the thrill of a lifetime,” he gushed.

And while a veteran of music himself, the singer rediscovered his fandom for these singers.

“I found I am still a fan of music and of these performers,” he said. “I respect each and every one of these performers and truly just admire their work, so it was a thrill to work with them. Elton was such a gentleman and Gene had great humor, but they all had and kept such a high level of quality.”

Willie Nelson is the other bona fide Texan on the album. He joined Humperdinck for a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.”

“For me, Willie is one of a kind and I’ve loved him from the get-go. You know, he called me to see if I was happy with his recording. He called me! (laughed) And of all that, he had gotten it right the first time,” Humperdinck said.

As for the future, Humperdinck doesn’t shy away from it. He mentioned a documentary has been made about his life and is set for release this year and of course he has more shows to do, but ultimately, what’s ahead is dependent on his spirit.

“My future is as it’s always been,” he said. “I’m ready to go and I have no plans on giving up.”

Engelbert Humperdinck at Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, 1310 N. FM 1788. 8 p.m. today. $42-$72. Wagnernoel.com.

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