NEWS

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

Engelbert Humperdinck has revealed Elvis Presley 'stole' something from him before the iconic pair went on to form a strong friendship thanks to a sweet memory for the king of rock n' roll

By Jamie Roberts Assistant US Showbiz and TV Editor Mirror.co..uk

• 09:00, 10 Feb 2024

•  

Engelbert Humperdinck is honouring his longtime pal Elvis Presley in his latest music linkup with Baku-born artist EMIN - but there's one thing the King of Rock n Roll "stole" from him that still leaves the Release Me singer all shook up.

Engelbert, 87, and Elvis formed an extremely close bond during their time in the spotlight, including big performances in Las Vegas. However, the Brit still hasn't forgotten the iconic part of the Hound Dog singer's image he said he was first to showcase

Engelbert - whose real name is Arnold Dorsey - claims the man from Mississippi "took the sideburns" look from him early on in his career. "I had it first," the Last Waltz singer told The Mirror. "He took it from me and I told him so," he continued with a chuckle before saying: "I didn't realise I'd befriend this man. Elvis was a great character."

Revealing the touching reason the pair grew so close, Engelbert went on to admit Elvis had told his bodyguards of their strong friendship. One of the American's former minders was later asked as part of an autobiography why the rock n' roll legend liked Engelbert so much. Engelbert revealed he said it was because he reminded him of the brother he lost. Elvis had a twin brother named Jesse Garon who sadly died during their birth. The comment was one Engelbert admitted really flattered him. 

The veteran singer went on to confess the important life traits he was taught by the legendary star throughout their friendship, both professionally and personally. "He taught me humility," Engelbert confessed. "When you see him work, you realise the traits that he had. I recognise them very easily because there was a lot of honesty in his performance and he never took his image seriously. As a performer, for me, he was the best I've ever seen, so I stole a lot from him."

Now, as he releases a cover version alongside EMIN of Elvis' tune Help Me Make It Through The Night, the Quando Quando Quando singer has confirmed why he feels Elvis will always will be one of the biggest icons in the world of music. He also shared why he chose to work on this track at this time.

"He is the most impersonated man in the world," Engelbert said with a smile. "His legacy of music is something to be admired and that's probably one of the reasons why EMIN took his songs and recorded them and paid tribute to him."

The album has been created with the help of 16x Grammy award-winning music arranger David Foster, with Engelbert gushing you simply "can't get any better production than you're hearing".

On choosing to work with Engelbert on the hit, EMIN added: "David [Foster] told me with the two voices and key changes we have, he can make it really beautiful, and it really did. Even for us it's a bit challenging sometimes. It goes somewhere you're not expecting it to go."

He continued: "For me, I love Elvis. I always had an Elvis song or two in my show for the last 20 years and was wanting to do it [an album]. To to have your own twist on it, but at the same time not to lose the DNA of those songs, was crucial and I think David has done tremendous work on delivering that result."

The album also features collaborations with Nicole Scherzinger (Love Me Tender) and Katherine McPhee (It's Now Or Never). Such inclusions, EMIN says, have helped add "a lot of credibility to the album". 

Emin's new album Now or Never is out now featuring the new single "Help Me Make It Through The Night" with Engelbert Humperdinck.

The album also features collaborations with Nicole Scherzinger (Love Me Tender) and Katherine McPhee (It's Now Or Never). Such inclusions, EMIN says, have helped add "a lot of credibility to the album". 

Emin's new album Now or Never is out now featuring the new single "Help Me Make It Through The Night" with Engelbert Humperdinck.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/us-celebrity-news/engelbert-humperdinck-elvis-presley-stolen-32083947

Engelbert Humperdinck, the timeless icon of music, continues his seven-decade career at 87, selling over 140 million records. His enchanting ballads and captivating performances have spanned generations, with an upcoming farewell tour and new album in the works. Humperdinck's passion for music and dedication to his fans remain unwavering, as he forges connections with contemporary artists and seeks innovative collaborations.

Emmanuel Abara Benson BNN Breaking

09 Feb 2024 07:55 EST

Engelbert Humperdinck, the enduring King of Romance, continues to serenade global audiences at 87. Born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras, India, in 1936, Humperdinck's seven-decade career has sold over 140 million records, making him a timeless icon in the music industry.

A Star Born in Madras, Crowned in London

Humperdinck's ascent began with his 1967 rendition of 'Release Me,' a cover that outperformed the Beatles' single on the UK charts and entered the top 10 in the United States. This breakthrough moment was sparked by a performance at the London Palladium, where Humperdinck's magnetic stage presence and emotive voice captivated audiences and sent 'Release Me' soaring to unprecedented heights.

With hits like 'The Last Waltz,' 'Spanish Eyes,' and 'Quando Quando Quando,' Humperdinck's enchanting ballads have transcended generations and solidified his position as a legendary crooner. His enduring appeal is evident in his upcoming 'The Last Waltz' Farewell Tour, which will span America and Australia before returning to the UK for additional shows.

A Lasting Legacy and an Unyielding Passion

Despite his age, Humperdinck has no intention of slowing down. With plans to continue performing for as long as he can, Humperdinck's dedication to his craft is unwavering. He is currently working on a new album, aiming to reinvent himself and enthrall listeners with fresh material.

Humperdinck's recent collaboration with Baku-born singer Emin on the single 'I'm Never Gonna Dance Again' showcases his ability to connect with contemporary artists and diverse audiences. The duo formed a close friendship during Humperdinck's 2012 Eurovision performance, representing the UK.

Reinvention and the Pursuit of New Horizons

Humperdinck's insatiable appetite for innovation has led him to express interest in working with Gorillaz, a collaboration that would further demonstrate his ability to adapt and evolve within the ever-changing music landscape.

As he sets his sights on becoming Glastonbury's oldest-ever performer, Humperdinck's commitment to his music and fans remains unwavering. With no plans to retire, Engelbert Humperdinck, the King of Romance, will continue to enchant audiences with his timeless melodies and captivating performances.

In a world where the music industry is often characterized by fleeting fame and disposable talent, Engelbert Humperdinck stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and an unyielding dedication to one's craft.

https://bnnbreaking.com/arts/music/new-country-and-americana-releases-a-rich-tapestry-of-retro-rhythms-and-modern-melodies

By GEORGE SIMPSON, Senior Film Reporter Express.co.uk

18:55, Fri, Feb 9, 2024 | UPDATED: 20:10, Fri, Feb 9, 2024

Back in the 1970s, Elvis Presley and Engelbert Humperdinck were contemporaries and would often bump into each other backstage in Las Vegas.

Speaking exclusively with Express.co.uk in promotion of his new Elvis duet with EMIN, the 87-year-old legend shared fond memories of his old friend, The King of Rock and Roll.

The singer said: “Elvis was a year older than me, so he had a little bit more experience.

“He was a great character and I admired him a great deal. And I can honestly say that I learned a lot from watching him work on stage.

“He was very, very nice, very honest, and very humble and charismatic. And he never took his image seriously.”

Asked about their Las Vegas years together, Engelbert spoke of them both going to see each other’s shows. And when the Brit performed at the International Hotel where The King had his residences, he would stay in the Elvis suite at the top of the building on the 30th floor.

He shared: “It was just a magical place to be. When he passed away there was a lot of mystery going on up there.” Staying there one night, the singer requested a tape to learn lyrics to a song but then something spooky started happening.

Engelbert remembered: “When we got this tape, I put it in the machine and the machine ate the tape. And I thought to myself, ‘This is a brand new machine… I think this is the work of Elvis!’

“I went to bed that night and had the light on and it kept switching off every time I turned it back on. And my hair stood up and I said Elvis, ‘Why are you doing this to me? I’m your friend!’ But I think he was just making himself known and wanted to say, ‘Thank you for being in my suite and thank you for being my friend.’”

https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1865192/Engelbert-Humperdinck-Elvis-Presley-ghost-EMIN

Reuters February 7, 2024

LONDON, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Azerbaijani singer Emin reimagines 12 Elvis Presley songs for his new album "Now or Never", which includes a duet with veteran British performer Engelbert Humperdinck.

The two singers met in Baku in 2012 when Humperdinck, 87, represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest.

In an interview with Reuters, Emin and Humperdinck spoke about their duet "Help Me Through The Night", performing together and Humperdinck sharing stories about knowing the "King of rock 'n' roll".

Below are excerpts edited for length and clarity.

Q: Emin, what was the idea behind the album?

Emin: “We wanted to give it all a very unified sound, very classical sound. We didn't want to rearrange the songs dramatically or make them sound contemporary. We just wanted to reinvent what's been done 50 or 60 years ago.

“...I think it's important to keep this music going."

Q: How did the duet come about?

Emin: “We were pretty much done with (the album) and Engie (Humperdinck) had a show in Los Angeles so I went to see him with my friends...we organised a dinner and I invited (music producer) David (Foster)...I think it was David who said, 'Engelbert, we...have never produced you'. He said 'yeah, it's a shame, maybe one day'. And that's me coming in, I said 'Guys, we have an opportunity, we're all in L.A. come on, let's do it'. And that's how the song came around."

Q: Engelbert, you must have shared some stories about Elvis?

Emin: “I bug Engie all the time...he's got a million stories...that include Elvis."

Humperdinck: “When you meet an artist or a star of his calibre for the first time, they usually just shake your hand but Elvis embraced me and that was the most touching moment of my life."

Q: And what about the sideburns?

Humperdinck: “I'm afraid Elvis did steal my sideburns but he was welcome to it and he made it more famous than I did."

Q: What was it like performing the song together in Baku?

Emin: “When we did our duet, it was a big surprise because it was the first time we performed 'Help Me Make It Through the Night'... Then (Humperdinck) stayed for like three or four more songs and the audience just went crazy for him."

Q: Engelbert, at nearly 88 you're recording music and still performing, you clearly love what you do.

Humperdinck: “I don't want to retire because what am I going to do, sit at home, watch television, no. I have a great following... very good, very staunch and I love them. And I'm going to keep going until God calls me."

Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian, Editing by William Maclean

https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/minute-with-emin-engelbert-humperdinck-elvis-duets-sideburns-2024-02-07/

The Shelbyville News February 7, 2024

EMIN and Engelbert Humperdinck have released 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 - has joined forces with the 87-year-old balladeer on the cover for the Elvis tribute collection 'Now or Never', which arrives in full on Friday (09.02.24).

The record is produced by the legendary film composer David Foster - best known for his work with Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand and Aretha Franklin - who came out of retirement just for this project. 

https://www.shelbynews.com/lifestyles/entertainment/emin-and-engelbert-humperdinck-share-big-band-cover-of-help-me-make-it-through-the/article_f3e25904-4b95-5b9a-8f0c-c53479cd0da5.html

The view from the Presidential Suite of the Hilton on Park Lane is stunning, laying out all of Central London beneath you. The luxury seems fitting when you’re meeting a pair of legends: Emin, World Music Awards winner and holder of the title of ‘People’s Artiste of Azerbaijan’, and Englebert Humperdinck, whose half a century in the music business has earned him sixty three gold and twenty four platinum records.

The duo’s story began last decade, when they both had musical commitments at the same events.”Twelve years ago, at Eurovision in Baku, Azerbaijan (which is my home country), I got a chance to meet Engy,” explains Emin. He uses a nickname for Humperdinck (pronounced ‘En-jee’) and broadly grins whenever he gets a chance to use it. At the time, Humperdinck was representing the UK in the contest with his song Love Will Set You Free and Emin was providing the half-time entertainment. “He was super nice to me,” continues Emin. “I approached him, introduced myself, my hands were shaking, my knees were weak…and he said ‘just sit down, relax’. We established a friendship and maintained it for all these years, and now we have a song together which I am absolutely grateful and happy about.” The single, Help Me Make It Through The Night, is a smooth and gentle ballad perfect for dreaming of the one you love.

For Emin, it’s been a long standing dream to collaborate with his friend. “[I first discovered his music] when I was a little kid. My mum was the biggest fan in the family, my grandpa used to give her vinyls of Engy and there’s a picture when my mum was fifteen – she’s now sixty seven – of her holding the vinyls with Englebert on it. He has the picture, he signed it for my mum at his show in New Jersey. For the first twenty years of my mature life I was listening to Elvis, Englebert, a little bit of Sinatra and Dean Martin, all these guys, and I absolutely adore all of them, and my absolute favourite is Elvis and Engy doesn’t mind me saying it in front of him.” Humperdinck smiles at the compliment. “Not at all,” he responds and waves his heavily-ringed hand magnanimously. “My absolute other favourite is Englebert. I’m very truthful, I think that these two are the best vocalists and artists on the planet.” He’d spend hours determining who made the best cover of his favourite songs. “I used to experiment in the days of audiotapes, and I had a double player. I used to make compilations – My Way done by Elvis, done by Tom Jones, done by Sinatra…an endless amount of names, and done by Englebert.

And I think the best version of My Way is done by him, and especially the live version of My Way. He has his own melody there! It’s unbelievable. He takes it to the stratosphere. My Way is a big song as is, but he makes it even bigger! I would do the same thing with other famous songs like Unchained Melody: Elvis’ version, the Righteous Brothers’ version, Englebert’s version…sometimes, in my mind, Elvis would be the ‘winner’ of the song, but sometimes it would be Englebert. Sinatra never won!” Emin’s devotion to the classics carried on past his childhood and through his teenage years. “Most of my friends when I was growing up in Baku and Moscow, and Switzerland where I studied, had posters of Tupac. They were listening to contemporary music and I was made fun of at that time because Elvis and Englebert, to some of the teenagers, were not trendy at that point. But now my friends that are my age now I’m in my forties, they’re a bit jealous of the fact I’m onstage and I have an audience, and they’re sitting in that audience listening to the music that they were making fun of twenty years ago!”

Emin’s new album, Now Or Never, is a reflection of his love of Elvis. Featuring his favourite songs in a full scale re-imagining, it’s a technicolour tribute to the King. Emin is very clear on what about Elvis’ music speaks to him. “Honesty”, he replies instantly when asked. “A lot of people can sing in the modern day, and you’d agree, Engy…” The older man nods emphatically. “…and vocally can do amazing things but there’s not as many that could that touch your heart and soul, especially singing the ballads, and deliver the song in a way where you want to listen to it over and over. That happened to me listening to Englebert with songs like Last Waltz or Love Story, which was originally recorded by Andy Williams I think…he has this personal touch when it comes to songs.” With hindsight it seemed like a natural progression from being a fan to recording his own takes on Presley’s ballads, and the genesis for the project came from ‘a conversation with David Foster’. The multi-Grammy Award-winning Canadian producer seems like a natural fit for this kind of album, considering he’s worked with Josh Grobanand Michael Bublé in the past. “I always wanted to do that,” Emin says, explaining his motivation behind Now Or Never, “but you have to have an amazing producer producing this album. Elvis is untouchable in a way, especially by someone not as well known as some other acts. We chose the songs and David has really delivered. He’s an incredible producer. We arranged the songs in a new direction but keeping the DNA of classic Elvis in there in my vocal.”

Over his twenty-three year career, Presley recorded over seven hundred songs, which surely must make choosing a comparatively small number for the album a challenge. “We wanted to pick some obvious hits that are Elvis’ signature songs like Can’t Help Falling In Love, Love Me Tender, It’s Now Or Never, but we also wanted to find some jewels that are not as famous. Until It’s Time For You To Go is a good example. Help Me Make It Through The Night [was a song] I always liked,” says Emin, “though I discovered it through Englebert as he used to perform it in the seventies and eighties as part of his set. I stole a little bit of his style on the recording!” Humperdinck joins the conversation, remembering his friend fondly. The singer speaks softly and gently in contrast to Emin’s animated enthusiasm, and with the aura of an elder statesman. He knows that Presley would be in favour of Now Or Never. “I’m sure he would [approve]. I think it’s the greatest form of flattery, to me, to record somebody else’s work, including being an impersonator. To do this song is the same feeling. I’ve done a lot of Elvis’ songs. I’m sure he’d say..” Humperdinck slips into a Mississippi accent for a moment to speak as his friend, “‘great job, Enge!’ He wouldn’t put me down or anything like that, he would just say ‘I’m grateful for you doing my songs’. I’m sure that’s the way he’d react.” “I also think that Elvis covered a lot of artists,” Eminpoints out, “[but] because he was so big and so talented, a lot of these songs we remember as Elvis’ songs. But initially, some of these songs are even from the thirties! Are You Lonesome Tonight was a German song which Elvis did in the fifties but was a twenty year old song at the time. You see, music has this inheritance from generation to generation and some great artists make it their own.”

It’s this legacy which we are left to consider as the vocalists are whisked away to their next commitments. The eighty seven year old Humperdinck is led straight into a Zoom interview while next door the forty four year old Emin thanks the pastry chefs for the custom dessert they have produced in honour of an album celebrating a musician born in 1935. The power of Elvis Presley’s music has united two men from different generations and nationalities, creating an album which carries the flame which he lit half a century ago.

EMIN‘s new album Now Or Never is out now featuring single Help Me Make It Through The Night with Engelbert Humperdinck. 

Interview with Emin and Englebert Humperdinck by Kate Allvey, photography by Louise Phillips. Rockshot Magazine

https://rockshotmagazine.com/its-now-or-never-for-emin-and-englebert-humperdinck/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VjS8XGefQE