NEWS

MORRISTOWN — Engelbert Humperdinck performs favorites and music from his new release "Engelbert Calling" at Mayo Performing Arts Center, Friday April 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $49 to $89.

Humperdinck's concert is in support of his album "Engelbert Calling." "Engelbert Calling" features duets with some of the world's most recognized names in music, including Elton John, Willie Nelson, Olivia Newton-John, Gene Simmons, and more.

"He is one of the sweetest and nicest people I have ever worked with," Elton John said about his experience collaborating with Engelbert. "We had a great time singing together and he is so quick, what I call a 'one-take singer,' 76 years old and still sounding as good as ever!"

More than 45 years after his massive hit "Release Me" reached number one on the pop charts, spending six full weeks at number one and 56 weeks in the Top 50 in a single chart run, Engelbert's newest album comes as a celebration of his career which has spanned nearly five decades.

Engelbert has sold more than 150 million albums world-wide, including 24 certified with platinum status and 63 with gold.

The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For more information contact the box office at 973-539-8008 or www.mayoarts.org.

Posted: Thursday, March 12, 2015 5:00 am

By Kathleen Luppi / McClatchy Newspapers

Engelbert Humperdinck has a few rituals he performs before his shows.

He’ll do a sound check at the venue and loosen up with the band before eating a meal. After all that, he’ll practice a few songs, but not onstage — rather, in the bathroom.

“I sing in the shower,” he said. “You need the moisture, and the steam helps.”

The “King of Romance” is in the process of wooing his fans once again.

Humperdinck, the 78-year-old British singer who has endeared audiences with his romantic ballads, will sing his beloved list of love songs on March 16 at Carolina Theatre.

“It’s been a wonderful journey,” Humperdinck said of his 40-year musical career.

Born Arnold George Dorsey, the second youngest of 10 children spent the first 11 years of his life in his native India, where his father worked as an engineer. By the time the family moved to England, settling in Leicester, the 11-year-old was showing an interest in music and learning the saxophone. By the early 1950s, he was playing in nightclubs. After serving in the British Army Royal Corps of Signals, he began singing in clubs but struggled to make a living.

To reinvent himself, he followed the advice of his manager, Gordon Mills, who had recently propelled Tom Jones toward his first major hit, “It’s Not Unusual.”

Mills suggested changing Dorsey’s name to Engelbert Humperdinck, after the 19th-century German composer and creator of the opera “Hansel and Gretel.”

The singer didn’t protest.

“I had no choice,” he was once quoted as saying. “I was a starving singer, and someone was giving me a chance to get on in the business.”

The name change may have done the trick. Humperdinck has sold more than 150 million records worldwide.

“I’ve been fortunate to record many songs,” Humperdinck said during a phone interview.

Fans, who call themselves “Humperdinckers,” know by heart that discography with the tenderly named hits: “Spanish Eyes,” with the sentimental lyrics “Say you and your Spanish eyes will wait for me,” and “The Last Waltz,” with “The last waltz should last forever,” to name a couple.

But Humperdinck is particularly proud of “Release Me,” a song that stayed at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in 1967 for six weeks, preventing the Beatles’ “Penny Lane” and “Strawberry Fields Forever” from reaching the top. “Release Me” has been described as the highest-selling single of 1967 in the U.K., recording more than

1 million sales, and became a Top 10 song in the U.S.

“I’m a huge fan of the Beatles,” Humperdinck said when he recalled how he felt placing first. “But along came me from Leicester.”

Humperdinck also made the charts with “Am I That Easy to Forget” and “A Man Without Love.” His 1976 pop single “After the Lovin’ ” soared to the top of the Billboard adult contemporary chart. He returned to the same chart in 1979 with “This Moment in Time.”

With four Grammy Award nominations and 63 gold and 24 platinum records, Humperdinck remains a popular act with his signature sideburns. The younger generation watched him appear on “MTV Beach House,” “Chilling with the Weaze” and “Oddville.”

He’s become a fixture on the Las Vegas scene, too.

He and his wife, Patricia, who have been married since 1964 and have four children, divide their time between homes in California and England.

http://www.news-record.com/go_triad/engelbert-humperdinck-still-wooing-audiences-at/article_49049f98-c826-11e4-a6c5-5faacafde51f.html

Posted: Thursday, March 12, 2015 12:35 pm | Updated: 12:36 pm, Thu Mar 12, 2015.

STAFF

http://www.myfoxla.com/story/28154659/engelbert-humperdincks-new-album-duets-with-sir-elton-john-willie-nelson

One of the strongest and most enduring voices in the business, Engelbert Humperdinck, the man who has sold 150 million albums worldwide, will be performing three select dates in the UK in 2015, including London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall, as we celebrate 50 Years with Engelbert.

Venues in Birmingham, London and Manchester will delight in hearing renditions of all the Humperdinck classics including Please Release Me, Quando-Quando-Quando, The Last Waltz, Am I That Easy To Forget, There Goes My Everything, Les Bicyclettes De Belsize and A Man Without Love, these celebratory concerts will have something for everyone.

His remarkable voice and extraordinary talent have endeared him to millions of fans around the globe and the MTV generation has just "discovered" this magnificent musician that the rest of the world has celebrated for decades.

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday, February 19th.

http://m.ticketline.co.uk/engelbert-humperdinck?platform=mobile#tour

Famed singer Engelbert Humperdinck is bringing his “Engelbert Calling” tour to Beverly Hills for a 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20 concert at The Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd.

His last visit to the Saban was “wonderful,” Humperdinck reports. “People stood up when I walked out; and Pat Boone and Gene Simmons surprised me by being there. Who knows how I’ll be surprised this time?”

The concert will feature “the hits that made it possible for me to have a career,” Humperdinck said in a phone interview—like (Please) Release Me, After The Lovin’, Spanish Eyes, The Last Waltz, Quando, Quando, Quando and more. “I have to do all the songs that people want to hear,” Humperdinck says. “I just hope I’ve chosen all the right material.”

The audience will also get four selections from his 80th and latest album, Engelbert Calling. A sampling that he says “will be a nice first crack of the whip.” The two-disc, 23-track duets set has Humperdinck joining the likes of Smokey Robinson, Il Divo, Willie Nelson and many more.

With pre-recorded vocals and video screens, he’s able to recreate his duet with Elton John, Something About The Way You Look Tonight, as a concert highlight. “Elton may be there in voice only, but it works great,” says Humperdinck.

Humperdinck credits John with the Engelbert Calling concept and title. “He once said that in the early days, when he was a struggling writer in London, ‘I used to live in a little flat with my partner Bernie Taupin, writing songs and hoping and wishing that one day an Engelbert Humperdinck would call and take one of my songs.’ So we finally called, and Elton said yes immediately. That’s why we called the album Engelbert Calling, and it was a delight to work with him in the studio.”

The eclectic mix of song styles and partners is the result “of sitting down and finding appropriate songs they wrote or were associated with,” Humperdinck says. So there’s A Certain Smile with Johnny Mathis, which he released in 1958. He joins Neil Sedaka for the singer/songwriter’s The Hungry Years, Charles Aznavour on his song She, and Kenny Rogers for his hit, She Believes In Me.

Another studio partner was local Simmons, who joined Humperdinck for Spinning Wheel. Because of scheduling conflicts most of his guests “just sent their parts in and said ‘is this okay? If not let me know and I’ll do it again.’ Every one of these people was wonderful. Elton opened the honeycomb and then we got all the bees.”

The Beverly Hills stop is part of world tour that will take the 78-year-old through Canada, Europe, Australia and South Africa. But he’s thrilled to be promoting “a wonderful project that was three years in the making.”

While he “loves the traveling experience,” Humperdinck has slowed down some, he says. He’s gone from around 150 concerts a year to about 90. “I love to work; this is my life,”  he says. While in town for his local engagement, his team, he says will meet to format his next three albums. “The preparation is always the hardest part.

“Performing is the best part of my life,” admits Humperdinck. “I’ve been doing it for48 years and I love the response I get. It recharges my batteries.”

He also doesn’t mind the “king of romance” nickname. “Elvis was the king of pop; so to be the king of anything is pretty darn good. “I’ve always sung in the romantic style and it’ s served me well,” says Humperdinck who’s earned four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe for “Entertainer of the Year”” (1988), 63 gold and 24 platinum records and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,

Release Me has the distinction in the UK of holding the number-one slot in the chart for six weeks in March and April 1967, and preventing The Beatles single, Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever, from reaching the top. The recording was also the highest selling single of 1967 in the UK, racking up one million sales, and eventually became one of the best-selling singles of all time with sales of 1.38 million copies.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and as a special treat, Humperdinck’s local son Bradley Dorsey and his band will open the show performing songs from their upcoming EP Changed. The two perform Cat Steven’s Father And Son on the new album and “may” recreate it at the concert.

His other son and manager, Scott Dorsey is flying in from Australia for the concert which is being filmed as part of a documentary on Humperdinck’s nearly five-decade career. The six-month project will also include never-before-seen photos and footage of his early career. “I see some of my old stuff on YouTube and I don’t remember doing it,” Humperdinck laughs.

In keeping with his romantic image, Humperdinck released his new jewelry line on Valentine’s’ Day. The collection features three main pieces —a pendant, lapel pin and necklaces—and Humperdinck was “very hands on” in the design.

Concert tickets range from $58- $125 and are available by calling 888-645-5006 or visiting www.sabantheatre.org. —Steve Simmons

Beverly Hills Courier

Posted: Monday, February 16, 2015 – 4:16 PM

http://bhcourier.com/engelbert-humperdinck-bringing-hits-latest-duets-to-the-saban-friday/

Legendary music artist Engelbert Humperdinck proudly announces his first ever jewelry collaboration with Zalemark Holding Company. The king of romance chose to release his collection on Valentine’s Day to coincide with his love for music and his fans. All items are available for purchase at www.EHCalling.com.

Known for his romantic and amorous ballads, Humperdinck  began his career in the late 1960s and has since released 80 studio albums, countless hit singles and has continued to successfully entertain fans for over four generations. With romance serving as the core of his music, this collection will truly represent the ultimate sentimental gift to his fans. According to Humperdinck, “Romantic music is what makes the world go ‘round’ and that kind of music is everlasting,” just like his jewelry.

The collection will consist of three main pieces including a pendant, lapel pin and necklaces. All pieces will be available in a variety of styles made of silver, white or yellow gold, as well as a variety of stones from sapphires to diamonds.

All products have been designed by Humperdinck  with the intention of creating universal pieces that can be worn by his older and newer following. His first piece is called The Harmony Pendant, which is in the form of a treble clef that surrounds a gorgeous heart-shaped garnet. The treble clef is a symbol that starts written music notes and represents his love for music and future success as a jewelry designer. Recognizing the singer's legacy Steven Zale, Zalemark’s chairman emeritus, said,  “We are proud to be a part of his iconic success.”

After the first collection launches on Valentine’s Day, fans and consumers can expect to see more jewelry pieces emerge with plans to develop both men’s and women’s rings, earrings and cufflinks that will be available at various independent retailers.

Zalemark Holding Company Inc., the renowned jewelry design, product development, manufacturing and branding company reached an agreement with Humperdinck and his representatives to design an iconic jewelry piece to commence with the release of his new album “ENGELBERT CALLING.”

All products have been designed by Humperdinck  with the intention of creating universal pieces that can be worn by his older and newer following. His first piece is called The Harmony Pendant, which is in the form of a treble clef that surrounds a gorgeous heart-shaped garnet. The treble clef is a symbol that starts written music notes and represents his love for music and future success as a jewelry designer. Recognizing the singer's legacy Steven Zale, Zalemark’s chairman emeritus, said,  “We are proud to be a part of his iconic success.”

After the first collection launches on Valentine’s Day, fans and consumers can expect to see more jewelry pieces emerge with plans to develop both men’s and women’s rings, earrings and cufflinks that will be available at various independent retailers.

In case you missed today's airing, the Hallmark Channel will air the Home & Garden episode featurng Engelbert on Thursday, February 12th at Noon (Eastern & Pacific) and 11 AM (Centrail & Mountain). Please check local listings.

A clip from the interview can be seen here:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid3714740058001?bckey=AQ%7E%7E%2CAAADFOok6gk%7E%2CsJNVXZ-vjAgqp6CkJT-hyJmBLkoetCec&bctid=4045693695001

Engelbert Humperdinck, an international music legend who is known for hits such as “Release Me,” “Quando Quando Quando,” “Spanish Eyes,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” has a lot to be excited about. He has a new album called “Engelbert Calling,” on which he performs duets with renown artists such as Elton John, Gene Simmons, Dionne Warwick, Olivia Newton-John, Lulu, and Kenny Rodgers. He is also currently on tour with upcoming concerts in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and later in Atlantic City. In addition, he has a jewelry collection launching soon for Valentine’s Day.

I had the opportunity to have a phone chat with Engelbert about his exciting endeavors. The interview follows:

How did you go about choosing the musicians who you would collaborate with on “Engelbert Calling?”

Well, Martin Terefe, my producer, Scott Dorsey, my son and manager, and I all decided on the songs first- some that were original. [It all started with] Elton John [listening] to a live show in London. He chose one of his songs. He was the first one on the list. This simulated the whole thing- it was like having the honeycomb. The people we called upon said yes. That’s why the album has the name “Engelbert Calling.” I became good friends with Gene Simmons and he event promoted my CD on his website.

Which songs were the most interesting to record on your new album?

All of the songs have great meaning to me. Lulu was instrumental early on in my career. She was on a panel for a jury and she was the only one who voted “Release Me” as a hit.

What’s the allure with being on tour again?

Well, I just had great tours in Texas and Florida and have a whole bunch of dates coming up. I’m always happy to be working on stage. I’m always changing it. Putting on new songs has made a vast difference for me. Standards [though] will always remain.

So would you say that being on stage is what drives you to continue making music?

Yes, I love doing live performances. I’m a thespian of song. It’s a one-time thing where you don’t have to stop and start. It’s spontaneous action. I love [it.]

Tell me about your new jewelry collection.

My jewelry will debut on Valentine’s Day. It’s the beginning of a big collection coming out. It’s just an appetizer to see how people respond to it. I’m a hands-on person- I designed most of it myself. I like to wear it. The jewelry is for men and women and is meant for day-to-day wear.

Engelbert is quite the talented artist. If you happen to be in Los Angeles on February 20, be sure to check out his concert at The Saban Theater in Beverly Hills. Congrats Engelbert on your impressive endeavors!

February 9, 2015 by Lesley Reider, examiner.com 

http://www.examiner.com/article/engelbert-humperdinck-a-music-icon-with-creative-flair-and-a-talent-for-jewelry