NEWS

Happily married for 50 years and a purveyor of romantic songs, Engelbert Humperdinck knows full well the meaning of Valentine’s Day.

“I do enjoy a Valentine’s Day and I think it’s a special day,” Humperdinck says during a recent phone interview. “I use it in that respect. I send flowers to my little girl if I’m working—my ‘little girl’ is my wife, by the way. Apart from that, usually I’m away from my wife. I can’t take her to dinner and do normal things.

“I’m not a normal person. I’m in show business.”

He may not be able to spend Valentine’s Day with his family, but he’ll be surrounded by his “cheerleaders,” as he calls his fans, on Saturday, Feb. 14, when he plays Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino in Chandler. He’ll perform evergreen hits like “(Please) Release Me,” “After the Lovin’,” “Spanish Eyes,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Quando, Quando, Quando.” He has sold more than 150 million copies of his 80 albums.

“I think I’ve been very fortunate,” says Humperdinck, 78. “From the get go, I’ve had a great following. My following stayed because it reaches three, four generations. That’s what given me longevity.

“If you have a specific age, they go away from you. If you have all different ages, they stay with you. Plus, I respect my fans and my cheerleaders, my sparkplugs. They are responsible people in the audience. They light the candles wherever I am and keep that audience alight.”

He says he respects his fans and thanks them for giving him such a “great career and great lifetime.”

Recently, Humperdinck celebrated the release of his first duets album, “Engelbert Calling,” which features a slew of special guests ranging from Johnny Mathis to Gene Simmons of KISS.

“To have such distinguished people like Elton John and Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and Johnny Mathis...those are some legendary names I never thought I’d have the chance to sing with.

“With technology it was able to happen. Obviously I can’t go to them and they can’t come to me, but I sent the tracks to them, they did it, sent it back to me. I put my voice on we see if it work, if it doesn’t work, you send it back. It’s taken two years. It’s been a labor of love.”

“Engelbert Calling”—produced by Martin Terefe, who also worked with Jason Mraz, James Morrison and KT Tunstall—came together easily after Elton John signed on.

“When I called Elton, I was listening to a live album of his and he said, ‘This song I am about to do, I recorded when I was a struggling artist living in a flat in London with my partner,’” he recalls John saying.

“‘I’m waiting for Engelbert Humperdinck to come along and take my song and make it a hit.’ I didn’t call him then, but I called him in this particular instance and he said, ‘Certainly I’ll do it.’ Once you have Elton, you have the honeycomb. Everyone followed quite easily.”

Simmons, he says, was “unbelievable.”

“He was so funny in the studio,” Humperdinck says. “He’s got a great sense of humor. He walked in and he’s a giant of a man. I’m 6-foot 1, and he’s about 3 or 4 inches taller than me. He has a great sense of humor and brought so much musical talent in the studio. He said to relax and have fun with it. The results are on the record.”

For 2015, Humperdinck is focusing on touring the world to promote the album that he loves.

“I’ll be working until December now on this tour,” he says. “Not only in this country, but around the world. I’m hoping for great, great results for the album and also with the shows.”

Engelbert Humperdinck performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino’s Ovations Showroom, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler. Tickets are $75 to $150. For more information, call (877) 840-0457 or visit http://bit.ly/1wEcD0w. 

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | Feb 4, 2015, noon, Lovin’ Life

http://lovinlife.com/news/2015/feb/04/humperdinck-celebrates-romance-chandler/

Engelbert Humperdinck will be having a special supporting act for his performance at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA on February 20th. His special supporting act will be his son, Bradley Dorsey. Bradley and his band will open the show by performing songs from his upcoming EP titled “Changed.”

Engelbert was joined by Bradley on his latest album Engelbert Calling. The two performed Cat Steven’s classic “Father and Son.” Fans can only hope that the pair will perform their duet together live February 20th.

Engelbert’s North American tour is in support of his first ever duets album, Engelbert Calling. His latest album is a celebration of his remarkable career, which has spanned nearly five decades. Engelbert Calling features duets with music legends such as Gene Simmons, Willie Nelson, Ron Sexsmith, Elton John, and Olivia Newton-John just to name a few. Engelbert will performing songs off of Engelbert Calling, as well as providing the audience with a virtual duet of “Something About The Way You Look Tonight” with Elton John. For more information about Engelbert’s tour and to purchase tickets, please visit: engelbert.com/tour

Engelbert Calling will be available for purchase at all of Engelbert’s tour dates as well as music retailers nationwide and online from our webstore, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Bandcamp, and Spotify.

Visit Engelbert Humperdinck:

Website: Engelbert.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/OfficialEngelbertHumperdinck

Twitter: Twitter.com/ehumperdinck

YouTube: Youtube.com/TheENGELBERTChannel 

http://www.okgoodrecords.com/blog/2015/02/05/engelbert-humperdinck-will-be-joined-by-a-special-guest-for-his-la-performance/

ANNOUNCEMENT:

I am so happy and proud to announce that my son Bradley Dorsey will be the supporting act at my upcoming concert in Beverly Hills at The Saban Theatre on Feb 20th!

Bradley and his band will be playing some songs from his upcoming EP, "Changed"

Here is a clip of our recent duet of the Cat Stevens classic "Father And Son" from the brand new CD "Engelbert Calling"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tINKQqJXHWY ...

See More

Engelbert Humperdinck will perform at the Fox Theater at Foxwoods in Mashantucket. CT on April 18 at 8 p.m.

The renowned singer has recently released "Engelbert Calling," a recording of duets with artists like Elton John, Olivia Newton John, and Gene Simmons.

The Connecticut show is part of the second leg of a North American tour that begins in Quebec on April 10.

Engelbert Humperdinck began his career in the U.K. scoring several top hits before charting in the U.S. in 1976 with his seminal hit "After The Lovin'." He has over 150 million records sold in his 40-plus year career.

Tickets for the performance are on sale beginning Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. though the Foxwoods Box Office at (800) 200-2882 and online at foxwoods.com. Tickets are priced between $55 and $75.

By Donnie Moorhouse | Special to The Republican

on January 12, 2015 at 12:04 PM, updated January 12, 2015 at 12:30 PM

http://www.masslive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/01/engelbert_humperdinck_to_play.html

By Glenn Evans gevans@news-journal.com | Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2015 4:00 am

Engelbert Humperdinck remains a romantic after nearly a half-century of recording in studios and crooning for audiences.

“No matter what I do, it’s always great for me, but I know live performances are my best, my favorites,” Humperdinck said as he prepared for a tour which will bring him to Shreveport on Saturday. “It’s great to see an audience that I can hold in my hand for an hour and a half, two hours and take them to another world. And it stays in their minds for a week or longer.”

Humperdinck is one of a trio of big names set for live shows in the region on Saturday.

Brian McKnight will bring his contemporary rhythm and blues sound to the Resort Legends Theater in Diamond Jack’s Casino in an 8 p.m. show.

And the Empress of Soul herself, Gladys Knight, will bring her Grammy winning voice to the Winstar Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Knight takes the stage at 8 p.m.

Interviewed from his home in California, Humperdinck said the romantic song remains his favorite.

“It was for me from the get-go,” he said. “I got named the King of Romance for them. People still call me that. The songs I sing are romantic songs, and those are what make the world go ‘round.”

That doesn’t mean that singer of classics such as, “Release Me,” and, “Quando, Quando, Quando” is all black-tie and formal. Audiences can expect a relaxed romantic in the Margaritaville Resort Casino.

“I’m going out this time very casual and less tied-up on top,” he said. “They need to see a more relaxed performer instead of one tied up with a bow tie.”

He’ll be singing from his September release, “Engelbert Calling,” as well as classics from a portfolio of 63 gold and 24 platinum records.

The new album is a compilation of duets with fellow legends including Willie Nelson, Elton John and Winona Judd.

“Gene Simmons was amazing in the studio,” Humperdinck said of the KISS front man. “He brought some pizzazz into the studio.”

He stays busy, working in media interviews on a rainy Saturday.

“When the weather is better, I’m out playing golf or riding my Harley,” he said.

He’s revved up for the upcoming tour after enjoying the holidays with visits from his two kids and eight grandchildren. The little ones don’t call him, Engelbert — or even GrandpaDinck.

“Actually, the ones from Australia call me Booma,” he said. “And the one from Nashville calls me, Pa.”

He hopes audiences will call him often.

“It’s the kind of show that I take all over the world,” he said. They’ve got to hear the songs they know well. It’s got to be well-timed, it’s got to be well-lit. I really get a good reaction from the crowds. It’s been a great journey, and I hope it never ends.”

***

If you go

What: Engelbert Humperdinck in concert

Where: Margaritaville Resort Casino, 777 Margaritaville Way in Bossier City, Louisiana

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Cost: $45 to $70

Tickets: Call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or go to www.ticketmaster.com

http://m.news-journal.com/mobile/features/entertainment/classic-crooner-among-big-names-performing-in-the-region-saturday/article_d7f52bb7-0918-51f0-a89d-6337fb16366b.html

Rich Lopez | jrlopez@mrt.com | Updated 4 hours ago

Singer Engelbert Humperdinck must have somewhat of a thing for Texas. He started the latest leg of his tour in the Lone Star State and even has a touch of Texas in his latest album.

“I love those Texas crowds,” he said. “They always make me feel invigorated.”

In a career that spans across six decades, Humperdinck is hardly at a stopping point. In 2014, he released the double album of duets “Engelbert Calling,” he had a number one hit in the UK with the collaborative track “All Together Now” that raised money for the Red Cross and, of course, his tour, which expanded into 2015.

“If I didn’t have this, the music, I’d just die,” he said.

He was preparing for his Texas concerts at the time of this interview and revealed that despite all of his experience, he’s rather nervous.

“I am and I always go through this same thing. I’m a nervous wreck before the first show and I don’t know what it is. My legs shake, my hands get cold until I hear the audience,” he said.

In the face of that, he says he’d rather feel that than nothing at all.

“I think in some ways it gives me an edge. I don’t want to be complacent for the people who pay to come see me. So, being nervous makes me feel in a way like I still care, which I do,” he said.

He describes the show as tried and tested featuring signature hits such as “Release Me” and “Am I That Easy To Forget,” as well as covers of contemporary songs and tracks from his newest release.

Although an album of duets, he’ll perform tracks for the album virtually with his fellow performers.

“Engelbert Calling” marks his 80th release and of all the types of music he’s done over the years — disco, adult contemporary, pop — he’s never done a full-on album of duets. With 23 tracks, maybe he’s making up for lost time.

While much attention has been given to his duets with Elton John and KISS’ Gene Simmons, a few Texas artists joined him for the ride.

Gilmer-born Johnny Mathis sings with Humperdinck on “A Certain Smile” and Houston’s Kenny Rogers shares his song “She Believes In Me” with Humperdinck. The singer is quick to show his appreciation for them.

“To be on the same album with the likes of them, with all these legendary performers, it’s the thrill of a lifetime,” he gushed.

And while a veteran of music himself, the singer rediscovered his fandom for these singers.

“I found I am still a fan of music and of these performers,” he said. “I respect each and every one of these performers and truly just admire their work, so it was a thrill to work with them. Elton was such a gentleman and Gene had great humor, but they all had and kept such a high level of quality.”

Willie Nelson is the other bona fide Texan on the album. He joined Humperdinck for a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.”

“For me, Willie is one of a kind and I’ve loved him from the get-go. You know, he called me to see if I was happy with his recording. He called me! (laughed) And of all that, he had gotten it right the first time,” Humperdinck said.

As for the future, Humperdinck doesn’t shy away from it. He mentioned a documentary has been made about his life and is set for release this year and of course he has more shows to do, but ultimately, what’s ahead is dependent on his spirit.

“My future is as it’s always been,” he said. “I’m ready to go and I have no plans on giving up.”

Engelbert Humperdinck at Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, 1310 N. FM 1788. 8 p.m. today. $42-$72. Wagnernoel.com.

http://m.mrt.com/top_stories/article_552837e2-9cd6-11e4-9304-137e83187972.html?mode=jqmCourtesy

http://video.foxnews.com/v/3984539228001/engelbert-humperdinck-is-back/?#sp=show-clips

Elvis Presley would have turned 80 in this past week and a man who knew him well and considered him one of his closest friends was Engelbert Humperdinck.

Engelbert was a few years younger than Elvis and befriended the American legend when he first broke into the USA in the mid 60s. They remained the closest of friends until Elvis’ death in 1977.

“He was wonderful, one of the dearest people I have met in my life,” Engelbert tells Noise11.com. “He was one of the most kind-hearted, benevolent people you will ever come across. He would be driving in his car and see somebody on the street in bare feet and whatever he had in his pocket he would take and give it to them and say ‘get yourself a pair of shoes’. He was that kind of guy”.

Elvis met Engelbert when he came to an Engelbert show. “The first time I met him he had come to meet me,” Engelbert said. “He came to see my show first before I went to see him. Believe me, it took me a good 10 minutes to quiten the audience down once I introduced him. He stood up and he had a cape on and he opened the cape as he stood in the booth in Las Vegas with the cape open like Batman. The audience went absolutely berserk and I said “shhhh, this is my show”. No, I couldn’t quieten then down. So I brought out some of my big gun songs to try and quieten then down which I did in the end. He came backstage and he said “thank you very much, what a great show”. This is how humble he was. He said, “thank you for introducing me”. Elvis! I said “Elvis, I can’t thank you enough for being at my show”. He was such a nice guy, a very nice guy.

Elvis copied his trademark sideburns from Engelbert. “I had them in 1965 and Elvis put his on in 1972,” Engelbert said. “The true story is this … he had a lady sketching him to find an outfit for him to go on his world tour. That’s where the white jump suit came in. She designed this white jumpsuit with the high collar and the long black side-burns. She presented it to him and he went (in Elvis voice) “Hell, that’s not me, that’s Engelbert Humperdinck”. So therefore you know who had it first”.

Engelbert also said that one of Elvis’ biggest problems was the wrong people around him. “I think he was mishandled by his friends and he was a great loss to our industry,” he said.

Elvis would have been 80 on August 6, 2015. Engelbert will turn 80 on May 2, 2016.

by PAUL CASHMERE on JANUARY 11, 2015

http://www.noise11.com/news/engelbert-humperdinck-remembers-his-friend-elvis-presley-for-his-80th-birthday-20150111

Still #1 on the official Independent singles chart!

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