NEWS

Lauren Novak  May 2, 2024 Remind Magazine

Engelbert Humperdinck, born Arnold George Dorsey, has been performing love ballads for decades. The British pop singer found success in North America in the 1970s with big hits “After the Lovin'” (1976) and “This Moment in Time” (1979). He had a resurgence in the 1990s, oddly enough for recording the song “Lesbian Seagull” for the soundtrack of Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996). After over 50 years of performing, he isn’t done yet! The 88-year-old has a lot to be excited about this year. He released his most recent album, All About Love, about a year ago. The self-proclaimed hopeless romantic is also the subject of a new documentary called Engelbert Humperdinck: The Legend Continues and is heading out on his farewell tour this spring.

He shared about being able to create new music and continue to tour, “When people go to a concert, they want to hear the old songs they can relate to. I’m grateful that the songs I recorded over 50 years ago are still as precious as when I recorded them.” Humperdinck also teased new music coming next year! He added, “Next year, I will step out of my comfort zone and do something a little bit different. It’s a rather unusual concept album. Hopefully, people will enjoy this new music. I am very excited about it.”

Engelbert Humperdinck talks about meeting Elvis Presley & Dean Martin plus feud with Tom Jones

In addition to sharing updates with fans, he recently spoke about some of his famous friends, including Dean Martin and Elvis Presley. He said about meeting Presley, “One of the most gracious people I’ve ever met in my life. You know when you first meet somebody, they usually shake hands? Well, this guy didn’t. He embraced me. We got on well together. He would come see my show, and I would go see his show in Vegas.”

Humperdinck also spoke highly of Dean Martin after appearing on his show. He said, “He was such a character. He never ever called me ‘Engelbert.’ He always called me ‘Humpty Bumpy Lumpty Dumpty.’ He was the most incredible person I’ve ever met in my life. A wonderful, wonderful man.”

While he spoke highly of Martin and Presley, one fellow singer he doesn’t like is Tom Jones. The two have bashed each other for years and recently confirmed that they still don’t get along. Humperdinck said of Jones, “I think he’s lost his voice. I don’t think he’s got it anymore.

Engelbert Humperdinck opens up about losing the love of his life

Although there is so much to be excited and grateful for, Humperdinck is still mourning the loss of his wife Patricia after being together for almost 60 years. She passed away in 2021 and he recalled, “Without her, I don’t think I would have been where I am today. She was very, very supportive of me, and she put up with a lot. She raised the children because I was on the road all the time. She was the backbone to my life. When I lost her, I lost part of my life. There’s a song that I dedicate to her in my show. It’s a song I wrote 30 years ago, and now the lyrics are even more poignant. It touches me every time I sing it.”

https://www.remindmagazine.com/article/13896/engelbert-humperdinck-new-music-tour-documentary-88-years-old/

30 April 2024 News24.com

• British musical legend Engelbert Humperdinck's ‘The Last Waltz’ Farewell Tour’ to Cape Town and Gauteng in July

• With a career spanning over six decades, he has sold over 150 million records worldwide and received numerous awards, including four Grammy nominations and a Golden Globe.

• Humperdinck is known for songs like Quando, Quando, Quando and A Man Without Love

British musical legend Engelbert Humperdinck has thrilled audiences for decades with his timeless classics and charismatic performances. Now, after an illustrious career spanning over six decades, he has announced his final hoorah, ‘The Last Waltz’ Farewell Tour’, set to captivate audiences in Cape Town and Gauteng later this year.

Engelbert Humperdinck, born Gerry Dorsey, rose to international fame in 1965, enchanting listeners with his romantic melodies. With hits like 'Release Me’, ‘A Man Without Love’ and 'The Last Waltz’, he has sold over 150 million records worldwide and received numerous accolades, including four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe for Entertainer of the Year, and he is one of only a handful of artists with a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Las Vegas Walk of Fame.

In a recent interview, Engelbert described his methodology when it comes to music, stating, "I have always approached my music with a romantic touch, singing these wonderful lyrics about love. I think romance is what makes the world go round."  It is this enduring passion for music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Reflecting on his journey, Engelbert shared memories of his childhood in Madras, India, where his love for music blossomed within his family. Despite early struggles in his career, he persevered, eventually finding success with hits like 'Release Me,' which transformed his life and career.  Engelbert's influence extended beyond music, as he formed friendships with icons like Elvis Presley and Dean Martin, Tony Bennet, Jerry Lewis and Sammy Davis Jr., who all left a lasting impression on him.   

Don't miss the chance to witness a music icon bid farewell to the stage, in style. Audiences can expect an unforgettable evening of timeless classics and heartfelt performances as Engelbert Humperdinck takes them on a journey through his remarkable musical legacy.   

Sunbet Arena -12 Jul 2024 & GrandWest - 14 Jul 2024

 SummerRaine May 1, 2024  SA Music News & Entertainment

The Last Waltz Farewell Tour By Engelbert Humperdinck –  Don’t miss out on the chance to witness a music icon bid farewell to the stage, in style.

British musical legend and ‘King of Romance’ Engelbert Humperdinck, renowned for hits like ‘The Last Waltz,’ ‘Release Me,’ ‘A Man Without Love,’ ‘Quando Quando Quando,’ ‘There Goes My Everything,’ and ‘Spanish Eyes,’ will perform ‘The Last Waltz’ Farewell Tour in South Africa this July. With over 150 million records sold worldwide, he has captivated audiences with his timeless classics for over six decades.

The tour will visit Cape Town and Gauteng. Taking off at SunBet Arena, Time Square Casino, Pretoria, on Friday, 12 July 2024. Following this, catch the show at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town on Sunday, 14 July 2024.

Get your tickets for Engelbert Humperdinck here

https://www.samusicnews.co.za/events/the-last-waltz-farewell-tour-by-engelbert-humperdinck/

He’s calling his farewell tour The Last Waltz and at 87 that seems a fair call for the legendary Engelbert Humperdinck

Sean Sennett

Mar 26, 2024, updated Mar 26, 2024 In Queensland

Almost 60 ago Engelbert Humperdinck enjoyed the biggest hit of his career with a grand tearjerker of a ballad called Release Me.

In 1967 the song hit number one in 11 countries and spent 56 consecutive weeks on the UK charts. Now Humperdinck is embarking, at 87 years young, on The Last Waltz Farewell Tour, which is quickly selling out venues all over the country.

On a video call from his home in the US the singer still looks a million dollars. The American sunshine is a lifetime away from where he began his career in the working men’s clubs of Britain.

“I started off doing an engineering job,” Humperdinck recalls. “My Dad said, ‘You need a proper job’. That lasted a year and I said, ‘Dad, I can’t do this’. I started singing in a working men’s club. Everyone was having a pint of beer and then getting up to sing. I thought I’d have a go.

“When I’d finished I had people all around me asking me who my agent was. I was only 17. That gave me the courage to sing. If you can sing in a working men’s club and please them, you can please a crowd anywhere. They’re a tough mob. If they didn’t like you, they’d throw a pint over you.”

Humperdinck slogged it out for years in those clubs waiting for his big break. He wanted to emulate the great Nat King Cole, because he felt Cole “knew how to mould a ballad to suit his voice”. While waiting to find his own ballad, a shot at the big time almost didn’t happen.

On his manager’s advice he changed his name from Gerry Dorsey to Engelbert Humperdinck and eventually cut Release Me. The song appeared on Jukebox Jury and the panel voted a resounding “no” with regards to it being a hit.

“I thought it was a hit from the get-go,” he explains. “But after Jukebox Jury it sat on the shelf for about three months, and I was wondering if it was going to take off. It had some promotion prior to being released, but never something really big.

“That finally came with a television appearance on a program called Sunday Night at the London Palladium. A friend of mine, Dickie Valentine, got sick and I took his place at that particular show and the very next day it started selling 80,000 copies a day and then 90,000 copies a day. It went up to 127, 000 copies a day.”

Famously the song kept The Beatles juggernaut double A-side Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane off the top spot and led to a slew of hits for the singer that included The Last Waltz, There Goes My Everything and others.

Despite his reputation as a balladeer, Humperdinck had some serious rock’n’roll friends. Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page worked as a session guitarist on Release Me and Humperdinck also shared the bill on a tour with Jimi Hendrix. One night when Humperdinck’s  guitarist fell ill, Jimi stepped in.

“He said, ‘Don’t worry man, I’ll play for you’,” Humperdinck says, laughing at the thought. “I told him he couldn’t do that, he was a star. So he stood behind the curtain with his music laid out and played. It sounded like three guitars back there. He was a lovely person, he’d give you the coat off his back. In fact, I complimented him on his army tunic one day and he offered to give it to me!”

At the height of his fame Humperdinck counted Elvis Presley as a friend, and his stable mate Tom Jones as a sometimes friend and sometimes rival. It irked him when the manager Humperdinck shared with Jones, Gordon Mills, “didn’t show the same care for my career as he did for Jones or Gilbert O’Sullivan”.

Tom Jones was often given most of the good songs, or Mills threw film scripts pitched to Humperdinck in the bin without the singer seeing them as he wanted him in a studio rather than on set for six months.

It’s a frustration that continues to this day. Humperdinck recently discovered the mega-selling Gorillaz tried to get him on a song and were told “no” by Humperdinck’s management. The move led to Humperdinck finding new management. Still, there’s little that dampens the singer’s enthusiasm.

“What’s happened is in the past,” he says. “What’s gone is gone. I live in the now. I don’t regret anything that has gone bad … and I was taken for a lot of money.”

The singer is still keen to record new material and is working on a new album, the details of which are hush-hush.

“I’m working on a concept record,” he says. “It’s out of my comfort zone, but we’re working on it right now. By the time I get to Australia I’ll have part of it finished. I’m hoping the whole album will be finished in two or three months. It’s different. I can’t tell you too much.”

As for the tour, Humperdinck will keep singing for audiences as long as he is physically able.

“I really don’t know,” he muses. “We’ve called it The Last Waltz. People have their last tours and they tour it for five years. Cher’s been on her final tour for about six years. It’s important to keep a good mindset. With me it’s in the lap of the gods. How far it goes? We’ll see.”

Engelbert Humperdinck: The Last Waltz plays the QPAC Concert Hall, May 13 and 14.

https://www.inqld.com.au/arts-culture/music/2024/03/26/still-touring-at-87-could-this-be-engelbert-humperdincks-last-waltz

MusicNews.Com 18 Mar 2024

2024 looks to be a milestone year for the globally adored Engelbert Humperdinck. The timeless icon of music, who has enjoyed a seven-decade career, will be celebrated with a major reissue campaign from his original record label, Decca Records.

In an incredible career that has spanned over 60 years, Engelbert Humperdinck has sold over 140 million records worldwide, with songs ranging from the most romantic ballads to movie theme songs, disco, rock, and even gospel.

These records have earned 64 gold and 35 platinum albums, four Grammy Award nominations, a Golden Globe, and his own star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

The programme includes:

Reissues of seminal albums

New CD compilation

Major streaming campaigns with digital EP compilations and bespoke video releases

Includes Valentines digital EP compilation already released

Halloween and Christmas focused digital product 

Coinciding will be a handful of UK concert dates including The London Palladium (September 8), Manchester Opera House (September 9), Birmingham Symphony Hall (September 10) and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (September 12) as part of his huge ‘The Last Waltz Farewell Tour 2024’.

Engelbert exploded on to the music scene with The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. The shy handsome man catapulted almost instantly to world icon. He became great friends with Elvis 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.

The following decades saw Engelbert constantly touring the world to sell-out crowds. He takes great pleasure in every moment on stage. His music has transcended time and his voice continues to reach out to people now – serving to transport and inspire, to embrace and to provoke feelings and emotions…ingredients that are no doubt the essence of his long-lasting success.

Engelbert was awarded the Honor of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honors List 2021.

https://www.music-news.com/news/Underground/171858/Decca-Records-announce-major-reissue-programme-for-British-popular-music-icon-Engelbert-Humperdinck

The timeless icon of music, who has enjoyed a seven-decade career, will be celebrated with a major reissue campaign from his original record label, Decca Records.

By LeicestershireLive reporter S P Jones 18 MAR 2024

Leicestershire superstar Engelbert Humperdinck is set to mark 2024 with tour dates and a major reissue of his music by his original record label, Decca Records. The globally adored singer has had an incredible career spanning more than 60 years, during which he has sold more than 140 million records worldwide.

Engelbert's songs cover a wide range of genres, from romantic ballads and movie theme tunes to disco, rock and gospel music. His records have earned him 64 gold and 35 platinum albums, four Grammy Award nominations, a Golden Globe, and his own star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

This year will see seminal album reissues, a new CD compilation, major streaming campaigns with digital EP compilations and bespoke video releases, a spokesperson said. It also features a Valentine's digital EP compilation, which has already been released, as well as Hallowe'en and Christmas products.

He will also perform at The London Palladium (September 8), Manchester Opera House (September 9), Birmingham Symphony Hall (September 10) and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (September 12), as part of his grand 'The Last Waltz Farewell Tour 2024'.

Engelbert exploded onto the music scene alongside The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. He swiftly became a global icon and formed a close friendship with Elvis, often performing each other's songs. His debut single, Release Me, set a Guinness World Record after spending 56 consecutive weeks on the charts, reaching number one in 11 countries.

Engelbert has consistently toured the globe to sold-out crowds over the decades, delighting in every stage performance, said a spokesperson. His timeless music continues to resonate with audiences, transporting, inspiring, embracing, and evoking emotions key ingredients behind his enduring success, they added.

In recognition of his achievements, Engelbert was bestowed with the prestigious Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) honour in the Queen's 2021 Birthday Honours List.

Tickets for the tour are available from Ticketmaster and from ATG Tickets

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/engelbert-humperdinck-leicestershire-stars-music-9173048

MAR 8, 2024 5:09 PM· 

BY SUSAN HORNIK CLOSER WEEKLY

It’s hardly a surprise that Engelbert Humperdinck describes himself as a romantic. After all, he’s been singing some of the world’s most beautiful love songs, including the hits “Release Me,” “A Man Without Love” and “After the Lovin,’” for six decades. “I have always approached my music with a romantic touch, singing these wonderful lyrics about love,” Engelbert, 87, tells Closer exclusively. “I think romance is what makes the world go round.”

The critically acclaimed performer released his most recent album, All About Love, last May. He is also the subject of a new documentary, Engelbert Humperdinck: The Legend Continues, and will be hitting the road this spring on his 2024 concert tour. “When people go to a concert, they want to hear the old songs they can relate to,” he says. “I’m grateful that the songs I recorded over 50 years ago are still as precious as when I recorded them.”

You were born to British citizens living in India. What do you remember from your childhood in Madras?

“It was just a magical country to be in. My father was in the service. We lived in a beautiful place, right near the harbor, in a massive house. It was such a colorful country. When you looked at the streets, they looked Technicolor because of the kind of garments that people wore. And the climate was perfect. You never had to worry about the cold. When the rains came, it was like a breath of fresh air. As a kid, it was all very exciting.”

Where did your love of music come from?

“My family all loved to sing together. I can remember songs that I used to sing when I was like 5 or 6 years old. Later, I heard Jimmy Dorsey play. He was a saxophonist, and he played this song called ‘So Rare,’ which I fell in love with. I decided at 11 years old that I would like to start playing the saxophone. I wasn’t very good at it. I am glad that my instrument was in my throat because it was less scary and easier to handle. I was much more successful using my voice as my instrument.”

Were your parents supportive of your dream?

“I can remember when I was a struggling artist my father said to my young lady, who was to be my wife, ‘Why don’t you tell him to get a proper job?’ And she said, ‘He will do what he wants to do. He’s like you, very stubborn!’ She stood up for me, she was so great.”

But success didn’t happen quickly for you.

“No, I went to London, and I tried to break into show business. I had so many agents and many managers, and I really got disappointed. I learned that the first condition [for success] was a willingness to take rejection. And I took it many, many times! But it didn’t put me off. You’ve got to keep knocking on doors and struggling.”

You were born Arnold Dorsey. How did you change your name?

“I first changed my name to Gerry Dorsey, and I tried for many years under that name. Then a guy called Gordon Mills, who eventually started to manage me, gave me the name Engelbert Humperdinck. It proved worthwhile to have a very different name.”

The song “Release Me” became your first hit in 1967. How did it change your life?

“It was just an amazing transformation, from nothing to something. I was able to pay off my debts, and the taxman stopped knocking on my door! It was just unbelievable what that one record did for me. That song traveled all around the world. That doesn’t happen today. My career was so brand-new, and once I got one hit — I got three in one year! It was just huge. I was doing 300 performances a year.”

You also became the star of your own variety series in 1969. What was that like?

“It was a learning experience. Guests like Tony Bennett and Jerry Lewis came over to do my show. Each time I’ve worked with somebody, I learned something different from them. If you’re going to steal, you have to steal from the best.”

You also became friends with Elvis Presley. What was he like?

“One of the most gracious people I’ve ever met in my life. You know when you first meet somebody, they usually shake hands? Well, this guy didn’t. He embraced me. We got on well together. He would come see my show, and I would go see his show in Vegas.”

How about Dean Martin? You were on his show.

“He was such a character. He never ever called me ‘Engelbert.’ He always called me ‘Humpty Bumpy Lumpty Dumpty.’ He was the most incredible person I’ve ever met in my life. A wonderful, wonderful man.”

Did you know Sammy Davis Jr.?

“Sammy was a wonderful man, too! I have a lovely story about him — I was playing golf with him in Lake Tahoe. He was hitting the ball all over the place. I said to Sammy, ‘You’re my partner, keep your eye on the ball!’ And he looked at me and said, ‘Engelbert, I have no choice!’ [Laughs] Of course, he only had one eye! I didn’t realize what I was saying.”

Did your kids follow you into performing?

“My children have been a part of my professional life for a long time. I have three boys and a girl. Some of them have been onstage with me, singing a couple of songs. And now my daughter’s daughter, who is 14 years old, is a brilliant singer. I’m sure she’s going to be a star.

You lost your wife, Patricia, in 2021 after nearly 60 years together. That must have been very difficult.

“Without her, I don’t think I would have been where I am today. She was very, very supportive of me, and she put up with a lot. She raised the children because I was on the road all the time. She was the backbone to my life. When I lost her, I lost part of my life. There’s a song that I dedicate to her in my show. It’s a song I wrote 30 years ago, and now the lyrics are even more poignant. It touches me every time I sing it.”

In addition to the tour, documentary and new album, you are planning new music. Can you tell us about it?

“Next year, I will step out of my comfort zone and do something a little bit different. It’s a rather unusual concept album. Hopefully, people will enjoy this new music. I am very excited about it.”

https://www.closerweekly.com/posts/engelbert-humperdinck-teases-new-music-concept-album/

British music icon, Engelbert Humperdinck, has joined Michael McLaren to discuss his Australian farewell tour. 

https://www.2gb.com/british-pop-legend-engelbert-humperdinck-discusses-aussie-farewell-tour/

This Valentine's Day the "King of Romance" himself, Engelbert Humperdinck is celebrating with a special gift to his fans, a new rendition of the bolero classic "Bésame Mucho". Featuring a romantic arrangement influenced from his current live show set, the iconic artist shows off his vocal skills singing in both Spanish and English.

Click to Watch “Bésame Mucho” on YouTube

As a nod to his ever-growing Latin popularity, Engelbert recently recorded a pair of duets in Spanish for his album All About Love Including "Bésame Mucho" with two-time GRAMMY®-nominated Mariachi star Lupita Infante. Considered one of the most important songs in the history of Latin music, the song was also previously recorded by Lupita’s grandfather, the iconic film star Pedro Infante.

"I think it's one of the most romantic songs ever written" -Engelbert Humperdinck

With Engelbert and Lupita's duet quickly becoming a fan-favorite garnering 2.8 Million views on YouTube, Engelbert has added "Bésame Mucho" into his current live shows. Now with the special Valentine's Day release of the song on OK!Good Records, his new solo performance and live arrangement is captured in the studio.

Click to Stream/Download

Music fans old and new have re-discovered one of England’s greatest singers of all time, Engelbert Humperdinckand are loving what they found.The indomitable 87 year young “Leicester boy” (as the Queen calls him) finds himself at the center of attention once again thanks to several of his classic hits being featured on hit TV shows like Moon Knight (Disney+)“A Man Without Love”, Umbrella Academy(Netflix)“Quando, Quando, Quando”, and a newly recorded version of West Ham United’s football anthem ‘Forever Blowing Bubbles In Brad Pitt’s film ‘Bullet Train’."Bésame Mucho" follows-up Engelbert's recent single "At Last"and his 2023 album 'All About Love'. Not one to rest on his laurels, Engelbert continues his worldwide tour in 2024, announcing upcoming dates in Australia, England, Canada and the United States, with more dates and countries to be announced soon.

Click Here for Tour Dates & Tickets

BANG Showbiz

Sat, 10 February 2024

Engelbert Humperdinck wants to perform at Glastonbury.

The 87-year-old singer - who will be 88 in May - is aiming to become Glastonbury's oldest ever performer this year, beating the record help by the late Burt Bacharach, who was 87 when he played the festival in 2015.

Engelbert told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "I wouldn’t mind doing Glastonbury. I’d have to have the right songs for that show. But my new project may give me that opportunity.

"It’s out of my comfort zone and taking me into a different style, which may lead to Glastonbury."

Englebert also revealed one of his career regrets is when his manager turned down a collaboration with Gorillaz in 2010.

He said: "That was a terrible mistake. I would’ve jumped at the chance if they’d spoken to me.

"Hopefully, with this new project, I’ll be able to work with these sort of people. I want to record with them.”

Meanwhile, Engelbert recently collaborated with EMIN on a big band rendition of 'Help Me Make It Through The Night'.

The 44-year-old Azerbaijani singer - who was named the People's Artiste of Azerbaijan in 2018 - joined forces with Engelbert for the Elvis tribute collection 'Now or Never'.

EMIN first met Engelbert in Azerbaijan's capital of Baku, in 2012, when the 'There Goes My Everything' singer represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Love Will Set You Free', and EMIN was the half-time performer.

He said: "Ever since I was a teenager, I have loved the music of Engelbert. I have a treasured photograph of my mother holding an Engelbert album taken when she was a young girl, and it is a dream come true for me to have created this wonderful duet with the legend that is Enge."

https://au.news.yahoo.com/engelbert-humperdinck-wants-become-glastonburys-080000583.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHgo9-oHMEdc837ZpxbQRwIPM_cWglrnUMskeNwZA1qi9mXpo7HfPnpzWd5dfofiq1n-rOwOuathTcKLz1067dbC6Sf35wns5u-5yEs4vlkcTbBr2vvrX2TVxn8fx0SlZTI4I2EwfqmSW_NVOdko2QNS9Dzq_G8koU0G8-h33iWu