NEWS

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

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