NEWS

By Jeff Moehlis, Noozhawk Contributing Writer | @noozhawknews | February 2, 2018 | 11:54 a.m.

The year 1967 is arguably most remembered nowadays for the Summer of Love. But, ironically, one of the top songs from that year was about love that had run its course: "Release Me" by Engelbert Humperdinck, which spent six weeks at No. 1 on the British charts. It was Humperdinck's first and most enduring hit, and famously prevented "Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever" from being The Beatles' 12th straight British No. 1 single.

"Release Me" launched Humperdinck's career, which is still going strong more than 50 years later. He will be performing this and other such hits as "The Last Waltz" and "After the Lovin'" at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez on Friday, Feb. 9. Tickets are available online by clicking here.

Humperdinck reflected on his career in an email interview with Noozhawk.

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Jeff Moehlis: What can people look forward to at your upcoming show?

Engelbert Humperdinck: It's early in the tour year, so I don't want to give too much away. The show has a good balance of the hits that took me around the world and gave me a global career and a great selection from the songs on the latest CD, The Man I Want to Be, that have already resonated with audiences and the press. The Chumash crowd will be well looked after when it comes to the set list and all the stories that weave it together.

JM: Your first hit single, "Release Me," came out 51 years ago. Can you tell us a bit about how you chose to record that song, and how the recording came together?

EH: I heard a sax melody by the famous British bandleader Frank Weir. It was haunting and stirring and so sad. I asked if anyone had recorded a version with lyrics. I knew by goose-bump gauge, as soon as I heard the words and the melody together, that it was for me — just as I felt many years later with "After the Loving."

Interestingly and frustratingly, it sat on the shelf until I filled in for a sick guest on a TV show called Sunday Night at the London Palladium. I was sick with nerves, but the next day, the record flew off the shelves in record-breaking numbers of 80,000 to 120,000 a day just in the U.K.

JM: What, in your opinion, makes a song like "Release Me" stand the test of time?

EH: "Release Me" has the cold, hard truth mixed into a warm but heartbreaking melody.

It's an age-old story that may hit home with the listener in varying degrees, but in reality, I'd imagine, those words are never uttered — just swallowed. It may just be a song that puts you into your own starring role and the song is make-believe. We all love songs that make us cry for some reason.

It's ironic that it was my first hit and here I am 53 years later married to the same wonderful woman whom I dated seven years prior to popping the question.

JM: "Release Me" kept "Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields" from reaching No. 1 in the U.K. Did you ever cross paths with The Beatles, and if so, did this come up?

EH: The "Release Me Balladeer" did not stroll down "Penny Lane" or run through "Strawberry Fields" very often. We were on "Long and Winding Roads" but hardly ever the same road. John lived close to me in England, and our dalmatian used to pinch his bread off of his doorstep. It wasn't like pinching the No. 1 spot, but I'm sure it added a bit to the disbelief that the chap with the name that sounded like a group pulled off a seemingly impossible task. I loved and love their music, and even though it's a great talking point for me, I give the glory to destiny and later recorded "Penny Lane" as a tribute and thank you.

JM: Can you tell us about touring with Jimi Hendrix in 1967?

EH: Jimi was such a lovely guy. What a great honor it was to be on a tour that was introducing him to The Brits. He already had huge hits in the U.S. It seemed like an odd pairing, but I'm so glad this Brit was given the opportunity to see this colorful and creative genius at work.

My guitar player fell ill one night, and Jimi filled in for me — hiding his aura behind the curtain, not to give the game away and sounding like three guitars were playing. Needless to say, that was one of my best nights and highlights on that tour. I have a real treasure of a photo of him in an orange jumpsuit next to Cat Stevens, Noel Redding and myself.

JM: Who was your favorite guest on The Engelbert Humperdinck Show?

EH: I really couldn't pick. I had so many wonderful guests. I did learn a lot from Phil Silvers and Milton Berle about comedic timing — when I wasn't cracking up.

JM: How did you end up recording "Lesbian Seagull" for the Beavis and Butt-Headmovie?

EH: The creator of Beavis and Butt-Head came to my show and liked my tongue-in-cheek comedy. I learned from the best and never took myself too seriously. How could I with a name like mine? They sent me the song, and when I heard the sweeping melody my heart took flight. I even enjoyed squawking in the most majestic way I could caw! It still makes me smile when I hear it or get asked about it.

JM: Do you ever get tired of singing songs like "Release Me," "The Last Waltz" or "After the Lovin'"?

EH: The songs that got me to where I am today are always received with such enthusiasm that it always brings me back to the days before the world knew them. How could I ever tire of them or take them for granted? I did change up arrangement once in awhile, but people like to be part of your journey and the disco versions of any of the '60s and '70s hits soon returned to their original format and glorious arrangements. I had amazing writers and arrangers when I started this road!

JM: What advice would you give to an aspiring musician?

EH: My advice is persistence and being ready for the moment when the right opportunity comes along. I knocked on so many doors but never gave up. I worked so hard at my craft and stole from the best until I became the artist formerly known as Arnold George Dorsey. Be a thespian of song. Paint the pictures with your words, and don't just go for the clever runs. It's the audience connection that matters the most. They've got to feel it for you to achieve it.

JM: You just released an album, The Man I Want to Be, which is getting great reviews. Do you have anything else in the works?

EH: Who would imagine that 50-plus years on in my career that there is always something in the works? I never rest on my laurels, although I do like my easy chair when I am off the road, but there are notes everywhere with song titles and stories and dreams to put into action and work to make them come to fruition. Stay tuned. I'll give you a jingle!

JM: What was your initial reaction to the suggestion of using the name "Engelbert Humperdinck"?

EH: I was in shock. I just imagined the billboards and the poor chap putting up the letters — not to mention the signature. I'd have a cramp in my hand after practicing the autograph. The name gave me a platform to live up to. I couldn't go forward without giving it 100 percent. I quickly embraced it, got used to people laughing or not being able to pronounce it, and was grateful to see and hear people talking about it.

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https://kogo.iheart.com/featured/cliff-notes-on-the-news/content/2018-01-26-listen-englebert-humperdinck-dedicates-50th-anniversary-album-to-his-wife/

Engelbert Humperdinck Dedicates 50th Anniversary Album to His Wife
by Cliff Alpert

In our interview, Englebert talks about his newest album, The Man I Want to Be, and he explains how, at the age of 81, he wanted to dedicate this special collection of songs to his wife Patricia and also send a message to other families who face the challenges of Alzheimer's.

He talks about what it was like to record the song “I’m Glad I Danced With You” written by his daughter, Louise and performed as a duet with his granddaughter, Olivia as a loving tribute to his wife.

There are new songs by Richard Marx, Jon Allen (including the title track), Richard Scott, Steve Mac, Les Reed and Engelbert’s daughter Louise Dorsey – some unexpected covers of Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” and Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” - plus three classic songs recently introduced in his Live Show: Willie Nelson’s “Crazy”, Eddy Arnold’s “Welcome to my World” and the NY classic “On Broadway”, all of which have been turned inside out.

Engelbert’s most recent album release “Engelbert Humperdinck 50” on Decca Records Hit the Top 5 of Music Week’s UK Album charts and re-introduced fans young and old to his classic catalog of hits. 

Fri 1/16 WTSN Dover, NH - 7:40am ET

Sat 1/27 KOGO San Diego/600AM 12pm-1pm PST
https://kogo.iheart.com 

Fri 2/9 WPKLPittsburgh,PA/99.3FM - 9:10am

https://www.spreaker.com/user/kfiam640/engelbert-kfi-casino-pauma

Engelbert will be interviewed live on KOA on Thursday January 25th at 9:40am. 

Have a listen to Engelbert's full album commentary for 'The Man I Want to Be,' where he go track-by-track to share stories behind the writing and recording process of each song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bsX7vjF-Eg

Following his guest appearances on SiriusXM station 70s on 7, Engelbert Humperdinckwill have guest DJ sets on SiriusXM station Siriusly Sinatra from today, Monday, November 20th through Saturday, November 25th. He will be playing a selection of Sinatra songs he enjoys and more.

Engelbert Humperdinck fans can tune in to channel 71 to hear his special guest DJ set on Siriusly Sinatra on these dates:

Monday, November 20th at 5:00 PM EST
Tuesday, November 21st at 9:00 PM EST
Thursday, November 23rd at 9:00 AM EST
Saturday, November 25th at 3:00 PM EST

One of the world’s best known, romantic crooners, the charming, handsome and magnetic singer and entertainer Engelbert Humperdinck has a new album, “The Man I Want To Be”, which is out Friday, November 24th.

Dedicated to his wife Patricia of 53 years who is now battling Alzheimer’s Disease, “The Man I Want To Be” features songs full of love and emotional lyrics. Engelbert is visiting 70s on 7 to play Guest DJ. The British superstar will play songs from the new album, and whatever else he please. After all, he’s Engelbert Humperdinck!

Hear his Guest DJ set on 70s on 7:

Thursday, November 16th at 12 pm and 3 pm ET
Friday, November 17th at 1 am and 10 pm ET
Saturday, November 18th at 8 am ET
Sunday, November 19th at 4 am and 5 pm ET

OK!Good Records presents the Worldwide Listening Party for Engelbert Humperdinck‘s brand new album, ‘The Man I Want to Be’ – and you’re invited!

When: Wednesday, November 8th 2017 at 3PM EST / 7PM GMT

Where: On YouTube Live at http://cdlisteningparty.com/

On Wednesday, November 8th get an exclusive first listen of Engelbert’s upcoming album, ‘The Man I Want to Be,’ available everywhere November 24th, 2017. We’ll be spinning the new album in full here in the OK!Good office, and we want you to listen along!

How to Listen: Make sure you Subscribe to the OK!Good Records YouTube Channel at Youtube.com/OKGoodTV and click the bell to be notified when we go LIVE. http://www.youtube.com/user/okgoodtv?sub_confirmation=1

You can also follow OK!Good Records on Facebook & Twitter or Engelbert Humperdinck on Facebook & Twitter where we will be sharing the link: http://cdlisteningparty.com/ You can also Bookmark the page to easily return to when we go LIVE on Wednesday, November 8th at 3PM EST / 7PM GMT.

If you will be using a tablet or mobile device – the easiest way to attend the listening party is to Download the YouTube App to your device for smooth playback.

Then simply sit back and enjoy ‘The Man I Want to Be’ from front to back! See you there!

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Iconic careers don’t come any bigger than Engelbert Humperdinck’s. One would be hard pressed to find anyone who isn’t familiar with his multi-platinum selling hits such as “Release Me”, “The Last Waltz” or “After the Lovin'”. These and many other of his hits have contributed greatly to 150 million worldwide album sales by the “King of Romance”, as Engelbert is lovingly nicknamed by his legion of fans. Just having entered a new decade of his life, the very youthful Engelbert is also celebrating his 50th year in showbiz with the release of a brand new album The Man I Want to Be on November 24, 2017 via OK! Good Records. Not content with being a legacy artist, Engelbert demonstrates effortlessly with this album (his first album of original material in over a decade), that he is very much a relevant artist for today’s audiences as he has been over the last five decades of his career.

Doubling as a love letter to his wife Patricia of 53 years who is suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, ‘The Man I Want To Be’ presents the singer in a much more contemporary style and introspective mood, covering topics such as self realization (“The Man I Want To Be”, “I Followed My Heart”, “Absolute Beginner”), remorse (“How Can You Live”,  “Prodigal Son”), and melancholic nostalgia (“Photograph”, “I’m Glad I Danced With You”). A collection of love songs crafted by stellar array of songwriters like Willie Nelson (“Crazy”), Jon Allen (“The Man I Want To Be”), Richard Scott (“Just Like The First Time”), Steve Mac (“Absolute Beginner”), Richard Marx and Fee Waybill (“How Can You Live”), it also includes two unexpected covers – Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” and Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are”, definite highlights of the album. Much more than simple cover versions Engelbert gives the songs a much deeper reading, lyrically and musically. Another unexpected surprise is a duet with his nine year old granddaughter Olivia, “I’m Glad I Danced With You,” a bittersweet ode dedicated to his wife Patricia.

‘The Man I Want to Be’ will be available everywhere November 24th, 2017 and is now available for pre-order on CD in the OK!Good Records Shop, iTunes/Apple Music, Amazon CD, Amazon Digital and Google Play.

Follow Engelbert Humperdinck:
Website – http://www.engelbert.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEngelbertHumperdinck/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/ehumperdinck
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thisisengelberthumperdinck/

http://www.okgoodrecords.com/blog/2017/11/03/exclusive-first-listen-engelbert-humperdincks-man-want-worldwide-listening-party-november-8th-2017-youtube-live/