NEWS

Arnold George Dorsey, known professionally as Engelbert Humperdinck, is still going strong at the age of 88.. He will be bringing his velvet voice and personality to the CPAC on Dec 6th for a night of holiday enjoyment that you do not want to miss. Our very own Rich Desisto had a chance to sit down with Mr Humperdinck to talk about his life and career most recently.

His recordings of the ballads “Release Me” and “The Last Waltz” topped the UK Singles Chart , selling more than a million copies each. Humperdinck scored further major hits in rapid succession, including “There Goes My Everything, “Am I That Easy to Forget”  and “A Man Without Love“

Then he came and topped the American chart with such hits as “After the Lovin’” and “This Moment in Time“

https://wmtram.com/2024/11/06/rich-desisto-talks-with-engelbert-humperdinck-about-his-life-career-upcoming-show/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR28CRPWhh-OFK5qSJWY1z0CB8lH2C4NXajS2f-QUt9Cg99I7_cZtr1gEwE_aem_6fUWMd-cCinjWUp4GVe2BA

Calling All Engelbert Humperdinck Fans! This year’s Engelbert Humperdinck 2024 Christmas Box Set is now available to purchase from the OK!Good Records Shop!

Rule the holidays this year with the Limited Edition Engelbert Humperdinck Pillow Cover, Engelbert Humperdinck Tree Ornament, the Brand New Engelbert Vinyl EP “A Christmas for the Family”, and an Autographed Engelbert Humperdinck Holiday Greeting Card.

Also included is the EXCLUSIVE Engelbert Humperdinck “All About Love” Deluxe Tour Edition CD! This tour exclusive is now available as an added bonus with any Box Set!

The 2024 Christmas Box Set includes:

• Limited Edition Engelbert Humperdinck Pillow Cover

• The Engelbert Humperdinck Tree Ornament

• “A Christmas for the Family” Engelbert Humperdinck Vinyl EP

• An Autographed Engelbert Humperdinck Holiday Greeting Card

• (Bonus) Engelbert Humperdinck “All About Love” Deluxe Tour Edition CD

Don’t own a record player? No problem! Gift Sets are available for all item combinations.

Pillow Cover & Card Bundles are also available on the OK!Good Records Shop.

The Engelbert Humperdinck 2024 Christmas Box Set is available for $79.95 (plus shipping and handling), Only available for purchase until December 18th for US domestic orders and December 13th for international orders, or while supplies last. Be sure to order in time for the holidays this year!

http://www.okgoodrecords.com/blog/2024/12/02/engelbert-humperdinck-2024-christmas-box-set/

• By LuAnn Thibodeau Special to The Suburban 

•  Nov 18, 2024

Engelbert Humperdinck delighted fans at all of the seven recent shows in Canada. He was quintessentially captivating in Quebec City, magnificent in Montréal, great in Gatineau, and terrific in Toronto. Billed as The Last Waltz Farewell Tour, Enge — as he is known to his fans — took the audience members down memory lane as he sang many of the hits that brought him fame through the years. And what wonderful years they were, with the songs still as popular as when he first introduced them.

The show opened in a very apropos manner, with a slide show on a jumbo screen of Enge through the years, and as he came onto the stage, clad in black pants and a black tux, with one of his trademark red shirts, he sang Ain’t It Funny How Time Slips Away…and yes, it does seem that it was only yesterday that many of his songs came out. One of his best was up next, Am I That Easy To Forget? Well, I can say with the utmost certainty that no one will ever forget this amazing man — not now or anytime in the future. His music and legacy will live on forever. Next came a song that was number one for a year in parts of the world that were torn apart by conflict and war, How I Love You. And I must say that the emotion that Enge put into this song was felt by everyone in the audience. The tears flowed down many a cheek as he sang the very moving words.

Then it was on to a tune that was very popular when it was released over 50 years ago but became even more well known the second time around. Due to it being featured in the Marvel series Moon Knight, A Man Without Love shot up the charts to number one and introduced a whole new generation to the music of Engelbert. Many of the folks at the shows were of that younger age group, and those that I spoke to after the shows were amazed and delighted that they could see him live in concert. And adding to the allure that is Engelbert Humperdinck, as the second verse starts, Enge lifts his leg and puts his left foot on one of the speakers at the front of the stage, again drawing loud applause from the audience. Rounding out the beginning of the show was the song that was nominated for a Grammy Award but surprisingly didn’t win — After The Lovin’. It did, however, go triple platinum, and has been a favorite of many, many people since it came out in 1976.

Now it was time, as Enge says, for him “to get lose”. As the band played a section of the jazz instrumental that was composed by David Rose in 1958 and released in 1962 (when it also became a number one hit on the Billboard charts), The Stripper, Enge removed his tux and then seductively danced a bit and then bowed to the crowd. And they loved it. The applause and whoops and hollers were deafening. And that he can still get that reaction at his young age of 88 is (to use the title of one of his newer songs that he cowrote with his daughter Louise) Totally Amazing. Men much younger would love to be able to pull that off. It was also time to “pop back here and get a drink. I swear if I didn’t have a little drink at the end of the night, I’d die”.  And continuing with his classic humor, Enge said “there is absolutely no alcohol in here whatsoever. It’s been years since any alcohol has passed these lips.” Again, the audience applauded. And when he said, “But I also lie,” the roar of the crowd erupted, and laughter filled the air.

Ever the gracious host and a true gentleman, Enge offered up a toast to the audience and thanked them for being a part of his journey. And he also thanked them for the many letters that they write to him, saying that they lift his spirits and he truly appreciates them. That led the way into nostalgia time, with Love Letters being the next song.

The nostalgia mood continued with a song that everyone loves, Quando, Quando, Quando. For that song, Enge asked his keyboard player, Olivia, to join him in a dance. She told him that she couldn’t really dance, to which he replied “You just have to follow me.” So, Olivia came down and was ready to join Enge. He then offered up some more of his comic side and asked her if she knew how he learned to dance.  He said, “I learned to dance waiting in line for the bathroom,” as he was one of 10 children. He added visual effects, and the crowd once again roared with laughter.

On to what Enge refers to as the romantic section of the show, the first of a trio of songs, If You Don’t Know Me By Now, which was on his latest album, All About Love. It’s a song that Enge calls “an audience participation song”, because he asks the audience to sing the chorus when he points to them. And they love doing that for him. The second of the three was “probably the most romantic song ever written,” in the 1940s, “well before I was born,” that got another round of raucous applause from the audience, Bésame Mucho, which Enge sang beautifully in two languages, English and Spanish.

Rounding out the trio was a song by the band Journey, entitled Faithfully. Enge said that the song is going to be on his next album, which he is recording now. He said that the album is going to include songs done by several of the big names in bands from the ‘80s, also including Aerosmith and others, but wouldn’t tip his hand to say any more. We’re all anxiously awaiting its release, in 2025.

He then picked up the pace with another song from his All About Love album with a lively rendition of the Barry White classic, You’re The First, The Last, My Everything. Enge gave it a country feel, and he dons a cowboy hat and dances a great Texas Two Step as he sings the song. He invites the audience to dance along, and many folks did so, while others clapped and tapped their feet to this energetic song.

He slowed it down a bit with the next number, which he says depicts his life story and is his motto — Don’t Let The Old Man In. And I have to say, I don’t think he will ever open the door to that guy. Again, picking up the tempo, it was time to introduce the band, with the song Old Time Rock and Roll. Each of the members were individually featured, with Olivia, Steve, Adam, Keven, and Ann “showing off their talents.” And they definitely are all very talented musicians, who are greatly appreciated by the audience.

On to what has become a fan favorite, a song that Enge wrote about 30 years ago, for his darling wife, Patricia, who is now in Heaven. Everywhere I Go certainly brought tears to the eyes of most, if not all, of the members of the audience. The depth of the love that he had for Patricia comes through every word as he sings them, and at the end of the song, as he blows a kiss to her in Heaven, the tears flowed even more down the cheeks of many of the folks present.

Then came the song that is the title of the tour, The Last Waltz. Will it truly be the last, or will the last waltz last forever? Time will tell. On to the medley, a collection of five of the big songs of Enge’s career. This Moment In Time, The Way It Used To Be, Les Bicyclettes De Belsize, There Goes My Everything (this writer’s favorite song, as it holds a special meaning), and Spanish Eyes, also sung in two languages, captured some of the greatest moments of his illustrious career. But the one that Enge sang next, was the one that launched his career into the stratosphere in 1967— Release Me.

He changes up the lyrics a bit “I can’t believe this song is 57 years old,” to which the audience applause was at a crescendo, and as he continued, they rose to their feet and gave him a much deserved standing ovation. As he left the stage, they were still on their feet, and the roar of the cheers and applause vibrated through the crowd.

Enge returned to the stage and sang a song by the French composer Michel Legrand — How Do You Keep The Music Playing. Well, I can guarantee that Enge’s music will play on forever, with many new fans coming along and realizing what a great singer he truly is. Enge then closed the show with his absolutely brilliant rendition of The Power of Love. And he left nothing behind, he poured his heart and soul into that song, and it was the perfect ending to a wonderful night of that walk down memory lane- from the beginning in 1967 to today.

Enge shook the hands of fans who had gathered around the stage, and then donned a brilliant red Versace boxer’s robe, as he readied to toss out a few of his red signature hankies, the one treasure that every fan wants to have. He then mimicked some classic karate moves (he himself is a black belt) and blew kisses to the audience and clasped his hands in thanks and appreciation to them. He said, “Applause is the food of an artist, and thank you for not starving me or my people tonight.”

And as he exited the stage, with the audience on its feet as they applauded and cheered, they wondered if it was indeed The Last Waltz. But as he himself said in an interview, “Elton John’s farewell tour lasted five years.” And although at the time of the seventh show of this part of the tour, the last show on his schedule was in December, new shows have been added for 2025. So perhaps The Last Walt’s will last forever — as the fans truly hope that it will.

https://www.thesuburban.com/townnews/music/luann-thibodeau-engelbert-humperdinck-s-last-waltz-farewell-tour-captivates-canadians/article_0533a52a-a520-11ef-8668-739c009a1891.html

Nov 04, 2024 By Jordan Chakravarty Zoomer Radio

For more than six decades, international recording icon Engelbert Humperdinck has shared a love affair with fans of every age on every continent.

Engelbert joined The Morning Zoom with Andy & Jane before his big show here in Toronto at Massey Hall.

Engelbert talks about what keeps him in shape, what songs he didn’t think would turn out to be hits and, of course, we find out if fans still throw panties at him on stage.

Listen below:

https://www.zoomerradio.ca/blogs/station-blog/2024/11/04/the-legendary-engelbert-h

• By Mike Cohen The Suburban Nov 6, 2024

Engelbert Humperdinck may be 88 years young, but he is showing no signs of slowing down. The ageless British pop singer performed before two sold out audiences at Théâtre Maisonneuve of Place des Arts last week. “The Last Waltz Farewell Tour” marks the end of his live concerts. But that does not translate into the end of his career. After two nights in Quebec City, a pair at Lac Leamy in Gatineau and then Massey Hall in Toronto, he returns to Los Angeles to begin recording a new album. Promoter Rubin Fogel says Humperdinck has done over 40 concerts here since 1969. The audience last Thursday went wild for him. Most were over 40. When intermission drew near and Humperdinck began to head backstage for a rest, the fans would not let him go so he played on. People I spoke to in their 80s said this crossed off a major bucket item on their list. Which music icon will Fogel bring next? May I request Barry Manilow?

https://www.thesuburban.com/columnists/mike_cohen_cohen_chatter/ageless-british-pop-star-engelbert-humperdinck-bids-adieu-to-montreal/article_6d83c214-992b-11ef-8387-976536e962c2.html

• By LuAnn Thibodeau The Suburban October 4,2024

The words in the title are part of the lyrics to the song We’ll Meet Again. And several years ago, the lyrics were changed up a bit — “Tell everyone in town that Humperdinck is back.”

Yes, indeed he is back. Engelbert Humperdinck is returning to Canada for seven shows. Just off of a very successful European tour, including the phenomenal performance at The London Palladium- the place where it all began for him, Enge (as he is known to his fans) is bringing The Last Waltz Farewell Tour to four cities — Quebec City (October 28, 29), Montreal (October 31, November 1), Gatineau (November 3, 4), and Toronto (November 6).

Speaking of the performance at The Palladium, many fans that I spoke with after the show felt that it was one of, if not THE best performance of his career. He poured his heart and soul into every song that he sang that night, holding nothing back. Many times, the emotions that he displayed were echoed by the crowd. When he had tears in his eyes, so did the members of the audience. When he laughed, they did too. And when he danced around the stage, the audience was dancing in their seats. It was a night that everyone who was there will never forget- the wonderful memories will last a lifetime.

When asked about it recently, Enge said, “It was like a flashback of every step and every mile that had happened since January 13, 1967, was reviewing in my head. The nerves that came as they did back then and turned into an energy that I can’t explain. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that came my way and the years that followed and led me back to a magical moment. I wish that we had taped that one, but I’ve got it in my heart.”

Well, I know someone who taped it and loves replaying it, too, being able to relive that wonderful September night in London. And when someone asked me if it was worth flying over 3,000 miles to the show, my answer was a resounding yes. And when further asked if I would do it again — I said that I’ve done it twice — in 2022 and 2024, so definitely, I’ll go for more.

When asked about being known as “The King of Romance” and “The King of Hearts” and if romance and love are what makes him and his songs so loved by so many, or if there was more to the allure of Engelbert Humperdinck, his response was, “My songs and style was stamped with love. The incredible team of writers were able to see the full picture before I dreamed it. They knew my range and tone and the words and the melodies that hit home with hearts around the world,” said Enge. “The arrangers and producers completed my musical vehicle, and I wanted to step up to the plate every time and give it my all. ‘Love is All’ is one of my favorites and I have held close the lyrics in the chorus with every curtain that goes up for me.”

I told Enge that in the first article I had written about one of his concerts in my home state, I dubbed him the man with “the voice that melts butter” and asked if he felt that was an adequate analogy. “I do like my butter and appreciate the analogy…. I think Nat King Cole was that guy and he was a big influence on me.”

Asked about his thoughts on returning to Canada, Enge said, “I love the Canadian audiences. They are so connected to the musical experience, and they give me adrenaline with their engagement.”

So, I have to say that it’s going to be nights filled with many of the hits that made Enge famous. Of course, no show is ever complete without The Big One. “It started my life,” said Enge — Release Me. As he sang at The Palladium, he said “I can’t believe this song is 57 years old.” Yes, fans have been enjoying that song for that many years, and it never gets old. Enge changes up the lyrics a bit (with the above line as well as the last line, when he sings “Release Me, and I’ll be back again”), and the audience loves it. Also, always in the song set list is “Man Without Love”, a song that has made new generations of fans, thanks to it being featured in the Marvel series Moon Knight. And there is a medley of several of his other early hits.

When asked about the songs and if there would be any other songs added back to the song set list (I mentioned that I would love to hear Let Me Into Your Life), Enge’s response was, “That’s a very good choice and very emotional. I’m really lucky to have a treasure trove of beautiful and sentimental songs. As I do interviews, I also get to know music journalists’ favorite songs. I just was told Alone In The Night was popular in South Africa, so we hurriedly rehearsed it and am I so grateful I listened. Five thousand-plus people a night singing a song I haven’t sung in decades.”

Well, I can only hope he adds my song back. But even if he doesn’t, I can attest to the fact that South Africa wasn’t wrong — Alone In The Night is a masterpiece and I’m certainly glad that he added it back to the set list.

Enge has some new songs in the mix, including Faithfully and How Do You Keep The Music Playing, and he also has a new album coming out. Would he tip his hand and offer up any hints as to whether any other new songs might be in the offing at these shows, and what songs might be on the new album? Well, “Both songs really touch me and though they are not mine, I feel connected to them deeply,” he answered. “And that is what we are doing with the new album….no filler songs. I’m not going to give away the list, but another journalist mentioned one of his favorites and it has reaffirmed my decision to record it. I’m listening and taking notes…even after all these years.”

Guess I and everyone else who is going to any of these shows is going to have to wait with bated breath to see what happens. And I know that we, as well as fans around the world, are looking forward to the new album. It’s so refreshing to see that after all these years and all of the hits, Enge is still keeping tabs on what the fans want.

The tour is billed as The Last Waltz Farewell Tour, and Enge has often said that he will keep going until God calls him. So, of course, that song that went triple platinum, The Last Waltz, is definitely a special part of the show. And the fans are certainly hoping that the last waltz will last forever, and that (as mentioned above), as Enge changes up the lyrics a bit in Release Me, and sings “Release me, and I’ll be back again.” he’ll be back again and again. When asked about it, Enge said, “This business of song is in my blood. The more I tour the more I want to use my music as a passport to the world.”

As I asked about any final thoughts, I said that the weather might be a bit chilly, but that I can assure that the love that the fans have for Enge will fill the theaters and hopefully fill his heart with lots of warmth, Enge continued by saying, “I have always appreciated my faithful fans and new ones, too. If they have been there since 67 or yesterday because of a video they came across, if they have traveled 5 miles or 5 thousand miles…and they have taken time out of their lives to be a part of this dream I had so many, many, years ago. It’s truly amazing… they have the dedication that I have to my career, and I guess that is why we all are still here.”

Well said, my good man, well said. And one more thing he said that really struck a chord with me personally. How does he keep going? “I know I’m a bull… true to my Taurus sign and have a great deal of tenacity.”

I have to say that this Bull — I’m also a Taurus full of tenacity — certainly appreciates his tenacity, and as he always says to the audience, I’ll return the words to him as I speak for every fan, near and far and say “remember — I love you.”

https://www.thesuburban.com/arts_and_entertainment/entertainment/tell-everyone-in-town-engelbert-humperdinck-returns-to-canada/article_7b639242-80f8-11ef-959f-9f82674ef24e.html

News 24 17 July 2024

The legendary Engelbert Humperdinck bade his last farewell to a minute-long standing ovation at GrandWest in Cape Town last night for the final leg of his South African tour. He had wowed audiences in Pretoria on Friday night at the SunBet Arena, and Cape Town was no exception. 

The two-hour-long show had the 5 000-strong crowd singing along to all his old classics, including “Release Me”, “Quando” and “The Last Waltz”, and they were treated to a few new renditions of old favourites, to be featured on a new concept album in September.

Moving about the stage like a man half his age, he peppered the show with funny jokes and stories, including of entertaining moments encountered with other famous, such as Elvis Presley and Tom Jones. And there was not a dry eye in the house when he sang, “Everywhere I Go,” dedicated to his late wife. 

After the show he said: “I was overwhelmed by the fantastic crowds in South Africa and the warm welcome I received everywhere. I’ll keep the memory of my time here and I will dance ‘The Last Waltz’ with my fans forever.” 

https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/paarlpost/last-waltz-with-humperdinck-20240717

The four-time Grammy nominee will perform in Cape Town and Pretoria this weekend.

By Lineo Lesemane The Citizen 11 July 2024 

Legendary musician Engelbert Humperdinck has arrived in South Africa for his much-anticipated The Last Waltz Farewell Tour.

Humperdinck is a British musical legend known for his captivating performances and timeless classics like Spanish Eyes, Release Me, and many more.

His farewell tour kicks off on Friday night, 12 July, at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.

The tour will conclude with a sold-out show on Sunday, 14 July, at the GrandWest Arena in Cape Town.

‘What an absolute gentleman’

TV presenter and pop singer Nádine, who will be hosting the show on Friday night at SunBet Arena, expressed her excitement after meeting the legend upon his arrival. 

Taking to Instagram, Nádine wrote: “And so, the one and only Mr Humperdinck has landed in South Africa! What an absolute gentleman and an honour for me to welcome him to our beautiful country on behalf of the South African people.”

The TV star added that she is looking forward to welcoming Humperdinck on stage.

“If you thought age would be a question for these shows – think again. I have never met someone so energetic and full of passion at the age of 88 – and what a gentleman.”

“This show promises to be truly unforgettable, and I cannot wait to welcome and see one of music’s greatest icons live on stage!”

With a career spanning over six decades, Humperdinck has sold over 150 million records worldwide.

His numerous accolades include four Grammy nominations and a Golden Globe.

https://www.citizen.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/legendary-musician-engelbert-humperdinck-lands-in-sa-for-farewell-tour/

Steven Taylor from Magic828AM recently had the opportunity to interview international star Engelbert Humperdinck ahead of his final tour to South Africa.

Humperdinck, who is originally from the United Kingdom, now lives in Los Angeles, spoke about a range of things with Taylor, including the fact that he is a huge fan of Lady Gagga.

Asked about whether he writes his own music, Humperdinck said that he did not write all of his own music, and that some was written by people like Les Reed and Barry Mason who wrote the hit “The Last Waltz” among many others.

Humperdinck says that the one thing he regrets in his career is that he never took the time to write more of his own songs. He mentions artists like the Beatles and Taylor Swift. Asked whether he is a Swifty a Taylor Swift fan, Humperdinck replied that he is and admires her as a trend setter.

Humperdinck is on his way to South Africa this month as part of his Last Waltz Farewell Tour, which will be his final tour.

Humperdinck will perform in Pretoria on the 12th July and Cape Town on the 14th July. Tickets are available via Webtickets.

Asked what we can expect from the show, Humperdinck said that he is working on a new concept album which will feature music from the likes of Journey and others. He said he will be performing a song from Journey when he comes to South Africa.

You can hear more from Steven Taylor’s chat with Engelbert Humperdinck here:

https://echocast.fabrik.fm/n93R1L4y7Byym2