NEWS

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

Remember when English-born pop singer Engelbert Humperdinck (born Arnold George Dorsey) became a huge international sensation in the 60s after his number one hit "Release Me" followed by "There Goes My Everything"? His handsome looks and laid-back style made him ever so popular with female fans. Well, he's still singing with a new album of duets called ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK CALLING, and he will be appearing for one night only at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills February 20.

With so many duet albums on the market today, why did you decide to do one as well?

WHEN I FIRST STARTED RECORDING THIS CD (OVER 2 YEARS AGO) THERE WEREN'T AS MANY DUET CDS BEING RELEASED. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE DECIDED TO RECORD DUETS AT THE SAME TIME. I THINK THE PUBLIC ENJOY LISTENING TO THE VARIETY OF ARTISTS, AND IT BECOMES A BIT OF A COLLECTORS ITEM. MOST ARTISTS WILL ONLY EVER DO ONE (MAYBE TWO) DUETS CD IN THEIR LIFETIME.

You sound amazing and your artists from Elton John to Olivia Newton-John to Dionne Warwick to Johnny Mathis to Il Divo are simply great. Did you have a say in who was chosen? How did you go about choosing these wonderful singers?

MY SON SCOTT (WHO IS ALSO MY MANAGER) AND I SAT DOWN WITH THE RECORD LABEL AND DECIDED WHO TO APPROACH. SCOTT WAS SOLELY INSTRUMENTAL IN GETTING THIS PROJECT OFF THE GROUND, AND I THINK HE DID A FANTASTIC JOB.

Is the intent to bring young folks into the pop world of the 60s and 70s? You did include some newer artists that would attract them, but I assume it's to get them into the music of the past. There is so much beautiful music for them to appreciate.

I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT MUSICAL STYLES FOR ALL GENERATIONS. PERHAPS BEFORE I RECORDED WITH GENE (SIMMONS) MY FANS WEREN'T FAMILIAR WITH HOW GREAT HE WAS...THEY ARE NOW!..AND HOPEFULLY A LITTLE OF THAT WORKS BOTH WAYS.

Who was your inspiration when you were starting out? Your favorite singers? Why?

I'VE ALWAYS LOVED ROMANTIC SONGS..SONGS WITH MEANING AND FEELINGS. I USED TO LISTEN TO PEOPLE LIKE NAT KING COLE AND SAM COOKE AND OF COURSE ELVIS...NOT BAD TEACHERS RIGHT?

Do you have a favorite song from your collection of hits?

THEY ARE ALL SPECIAL TO ME (AND I MEAN THAT). HOWEVER, I WOULD HAVE TO SAY "RELEASE ME" WAS THE SONG THAT REALLY STARTED MY PROFESSIONAL LIFE AND GAVE ME A GLOBAL CAREER

How difficult is it to keep your voice in such great shape? You must be constantly touring and therefore practicing. I remember Debbie Reynolds telling me once that you should never stop practicing if you expect to get it right.

THE VOCAL CHORDS ARE LIKE MOST OTHER MUSCLES THAT NEED TO BE WORKED OUT.DEBBIE IS RIGHT... THAT YOU SHOULD NEVER REST ON YOUR LAURELS BUT TO KEEP CHANGING THE SHOW AND REHEARSING. I STILL GET NERVOUS BEFORE EVERY PERFORMANCE.

Who among the newer crop of singers do you particularly like? Why?

I THINK ED SHEERAN IS FANTASTIC. IN FACT I HAVE JUST PUT HIS SONG "THINKING OUT LOUD" INTO MY SHOW AND IT IS GETTING A HUGE RESPONSE. MY 5 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER KIKI TAUGHT ME THE LYRICS! CANT BE MUCH NEWER THAN THAT!

What is your overall impression of the way music has changed over the last few decades?

I THINK MUSIC GOES IN CYCLES.THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME GREAT TALENT AROUND AT THE MOMENT.THE IMMEDIATE SUCCESS THAT A LOT OF THE TALENT SHOWS ENABLE YOUNG ARTISTS IS FANTASTIC BUT IT CREATES IMMEDIATE STARDOM ..SOMETIMES IT'S GOOD TO HONE YOUR CRAFT BEFORE THE SUCCESS COMES IN ORDER TO KNOW HOW TO DELIVER AND DEAL WITH IT. I DO LIKE THE SIMPLICITY OF BEING ABLE TO DOWNLOAD SONGS ...AS LONG AS THE WRITERS AND PERFORMERS GET PAID

What else is new in your world?

I'M EXCITED TO LAUNCH MY JEWELRY LINE WITH ZALE MARK JEWELERS ON VALENTINES DAY ALL THE INFO WILL BE ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE.

//www.facebook.com/OfficialEngelbertHumperdinck

For ticket information:

http://www.sabantheatre.org/

February 10, 2015 by Don Grigware Broadway World 

http://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/BWW-Interviews-Iconic-Singer-ENGELBERT-HUMPERDINCK-To-Appear-at-the-Saban-220-20150210#

The epitome of an international star, Engelbert Humperdinck splits his time between homes in Los Angeles and Leicester, England. In between, there are concerts almost everywhere: The vocalist visits such countries as Canada, Belgium, Germany and France on his annual tours.

At 78, the British singer sounds just as potent as he did on such made-for-Vegas ballads as "A Man Without Love" and "After the Lovin'." He still has enough clout to attract such names as Elton John, Il Divo, Luis Fonsi and Wynonna Judd for "Engelbert Calling," a duets album released last year.

Humperdinck, who will visit the Valley for a Valentine's Day concert, called to talk about his career, his marriage and the art of aging gracefully.

Question: On Valentine's Day you're going to be working here. Are you always booked on the holiday?

Answer: It seems that way. They've always made me work on Valentine's Day. It seems a day to promote romance, and being deemed the king of romance, I guess they decided it's a date I should work on.

Q: You've been married 50 years. Does it annoy your wife?

A: (Laughing) Not really. She understands that it's a day for the general public. Of course, I give her things for Valentine's Day. I send her flowers when I'm not here, or a wonderful note.

Q: So the romantic image is not just a facade?

A: I don't think you can act an image for 48 years. It's either there or it's not, and then you're a fake. I do enjoy being romantic, and when I'm home, we try to be together as much as possible. I'm on the road so much, I like home life and so does she. We're homebodies.

Q: I don't think everyone realizes how funny your shows are. You really play with that image in concert.

A: I think it's important to have a sense of humor. You have to be able to laugh at yourself. I don't take my image seriously. I make fun of the fact that some people think I'm a romantic figure. I love to smile. I love to laugh. I like to hear jokes. For instance, when I'm on the road, every night I watch "Seinfeld." I find it somewhere. I think it's so funny, and I watch the repeats over and over again.

Q: Another thing about your concerts: Your singing voice sounds the same as it did in the '60s and '70s. Is there a secret?

A: Nothing. I've been very lucky. Usually as you get older, your vibrato slows down and you lose your range. I may have lost about one tone in my range, but the power is still there. My vibrato has never slowed down, but I don't use it much today. I try to keep up with the times, and of the young talent, none of them use a great deal of vibrato.

Q: Do you feel your age?

A: I honestly don't. I've been very fortunate. I came from very good genes. And I haven't been to Beverly Hills getting work done or anything like that. It's all me.

Q: Your new album, "Engelbert Calling," has some great duet partners. How did you get all these people?

A: It came about listening to an Elton John live performance. He talked about being a struggling (songwriter) living in a flat in London, waiting for Engelbert Humperdinck to call and make him a hit. Well, I didn't call then, but I called a couple of years ago and asked if he would join me on a duets album. He was wonderful and said certainly. He was the first person to say yes, and he's like the honeycomb. He brought everybody else to the table with his name.

Q: The album has contemporary artists as wells as peers such as Lulu. That was fun to hear.

A: She's one of my favorite people in the whole world. When "Release Me" came out, she was on the panel of a show called "Jukebox Jury" in England. The record was voted a miss, and the only person who said it was a hit was Lulu. She's been the love of my life for a long time.

Q: True or false: According to Wikipedia, you try to visit a Catholic church in every city you visit.

A: I do. If I'm in a city I haven't been in before, I believe if I go into a church and ask a favor, it will be granted. It's part of my belief and that's what I do.

Engelbert Humperdinck

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14.

Where: Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Gila River Reservation.

Admission: $75-$150.

Details: 800-946-4452, wingilariver.com.

Reach the reporter at randy.cordova@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8849. Twitter.com/randy_cordova.

http://www.azcentral

It’s still one of the most unusual names in show business, but, for Engelbert Humperdinck, it helped turn him into a legend in the international music industry in the past 40 years with more than 150 million records sold. A Las Vegas headliner on and off the Strip for many years, he’s now set for the first time to play the Smith Center for the Performing Arts over Valentine’s Day Weekend.

He’s recorded everything from “Release Me,” “After the Lovin’,” “Spanish Eyes,” the most romantic ballads, to “Lesbian Seagull” for a "Beavis and Butt-head" movie. In the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, leading stars such as The Carpenters and Jimi Hendrix opened for him. And he displaced The Beatles atop the music charts.

His success story, however, might never have been. A battle with tuberculosis silenced him for six months and nearly extinguished his rising star. Many people assumed that his career was finished. Having regained his health, he had to make a comeback, and that was when then-manager Gordon Mills, also Tom Jones’ manager, suggested the new, outrageous but memorable name, the 1911 Austrian composer of “Hansel & Gretel,” Engelbert Humperdinck.

His credits are incredible: a Golden Globe for Entertainer of the Year, 63 gold and 24 platinum records, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. One of 10 children, Arnold George Dorsey’s mother taught violin and had an operatic voice.

Born in Madras, India, he moved with his family to Leicester, England, at age 11 when he began to study saxophone. At 17, he entered a singing contest in a local pub north of England. His impersonation of Jerry Lewis won him the name change to Gerry Dorsey. (Incidentally, Jerry still thinks it’s the best impersonation of all time.)

After conquering TB, Gerry became Engelbert, and he started the sideburns and flamboyant leather jumpsuits that Elvis “stole” and made famous. The two legends often performed each other’s songs and kept a lasting friendship right up until Elvis’ death.

Known as “The King of Romance” for his uncanny knack of picking hit songs with the eternal themes of love and romance, Engelbert has completed recording his first duets CD, “Engelbert Calling,” with joint tracks with British pals Sir Elton John, Cliff Richard and Lulu and American friends Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Johnny Mathis, Kenny Rogers, Neil Sedaka and KISS star Gene Simmons. He also duets with Flamingo headliner and Aussie friend Olivia Newton-John.

Elton, who headlines at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace, commented: “At 76 years, he is still sounding as good as ever. We had a great time singing together for the album.” It was released last fall. While in Las Vegas, Engelbert will wrap up his debut documentary of his career and concert and never-before-seen home footage for a peek into his everyday life.

My knowledge of Engelbert goes back to his Gerry Dorsey days and our friendship over 30 years when we filmed him for “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous” in the lavish Beverly Hills, Calif., house he bought from film legend Jayne Mansfield. I talked at length with him while he was trapped in Florida by the East Coast blizzards as he began preparing for his Feb. 15 Las Vegas performance.

This will be the first time that you’ve performed at the Smith Center?

It will be the first time. It looks like a magnificent place, doesn’t it? There will be a slight change for the Las Vegas audience, but this show is tried and tested around the world. It’s the kind of songs that people, my audience anyways, want to hear. I do mostly my material, but I do stray and do some covers from other people’s music in order to keep it fresh and different. It’s been doing very well. I’m very happy about it.

Of course I have this new material I can work with having the new album, “Engelbert Calling,” the first duets in 80 albums. It’s just magnificent to have been working with all these amazing performers who have legendary backgrounds. People like Elton, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson. Absolutely amazing.

You’ve got a couple of Las Vegas residents in there. Elton John, Olivia Newton-John and regulars like Gene Simmons.

Gene Simmons was amazing. He brought so much fun into the studio. He’s a big man. I’m 6-foot-1, and he stood way above me. I had to stand on my toes to give him a hug. I even joke about him onstage. When he came into the studio, I couldn’t move. His tongue was everywhere.

This album took two years? That’s a real labor of love.

Two years, yes, indeed. It was partially done in London. We started it off in London and recorded all the tracks there, and we went to Europe, New York, South America, London, Las Vegas, Nashville and Los Angeles to finish it with the various stars. It went around the world quite a bit.

You also recorded this extraordinary single “All Together Now” by The Peace Collective.

If you go back in time about 100 years ago to World War 1 on Dec. 24, the Brits and Germans put down their arms for the day and sang “Silent Night” together, and they exchanged gifts in a “no man’s land.” They got out of the trenches, they shook hands, hugged each other, danced around, played football, and afterward the whistle was blown, and they had to go back to their trenches to start the war again. It just goes to show, these people really don’t want to fight with each other if they could play ball for one day and be friends.

They were actually shooting at each other on Dec. 23, took a day off and then went back to shooting each other Dec. 25? Amazing. I didn’t know this story.

It’s a lovely, lovely story. If you see the film “War Horse,” you get to see where I’m coming from with the song and the music for charity, which commemorates those troops who had one day of peace. The charity is The Peace Collective, and it’s for The Red Cross.

It’s nice raising money for these wonderful charities. Stars like Julian Lennon and Mick Taylor, we all got together to do a recording project that raised money for The Peace Collective. The song “All Together Now” made it to No. 1 on the charts, which is wonderful. 

It’s open to the world to download so that we keep raising money for it. When I was there in England doing the track, I got to see The Queen again after 40 years or so. I took my daughter there, and it was wonderful to be in the palace with Prince Phillip again. I enjoyed it very much. My daughter enjoyed it.

With the Smith Center visit being part of your new North American tour, how many years have you been out on the road?

Actually, “Release Me” was 48 years old on Jan. 13, so this year marks 48 years. It was “Release Me” that put me on the road, so I say 48 years. It’s just unbelievable where the time goes.

That’s half a century. Do you spend enough time with your feet up on the couch so that you don’t resent travel, travel, travel?

It’s tough, the traveling. I used to do, somewhere in the region when Las Vegas was alive and when all the massive entertainers were headliners over there, two shows a night for a month in a row. It was 300 shows a year for a person like myself. Now I still do some worldwide tours but keep it to about 90.

So you’ve cut back a little bit to enjoy life at this stage?

I think that I deserve it! I’ve been really fortunate with my sales of records during my vocal career. It’s 150 million or so. Add in singles, and it’s a lot, lot more. It’s been a great journey, and I hope it never ends. This new duet album has given it a kick-start to a new life again. 

Do you put it all down to the magic of romance?

I think so, yeah. I’ve tried all kinds of music, but my forte is romance. Good lyrics, good messages and good arrangements that are long-lasting.

I wonder over the years how many marriages you have prompted and how many babies you have started.

Dr. Humperdinck. By the way, I am a doctor, a doctor of music. Anyway, yeah, I have I guess helped a lot of marriages along the way because people talk to me. They say, “You know, after that song, it was the history of how we got married and had children.”

Romance never dies. I’ll tell you a wonderful story about my music. People love it, and they accept it. One man told me he had a Ferrari, and he said, “When I die, I want to be buried in my Ferrari with ‘Release Me’ playing as I’m lowered into my grave.” And his family fulfilled his request and did it. Unbelievable.

That’s got to be the most unusual music story I’ve ever heard. Do you still get underwear thrown at you?

Oh, yeah, it comes now and again for people who are looking for recognition, that sort of thing. It’s something that’s been going on for the last 48 years. I don’t think it will ever end. It’s just a continuation of something that started years ago.

Is it the music that keeps you young? Is it the profession itself that keeps you young? You’re happily married to your wife, Patricia, for 50 years and have four children and nine grandchildren. What keeps you young and romantic?

People say I’m a romantic, and I suppose I have to be because I don’t suppose you can be an actor or act being a romantic for that number of years. You can do it for a while, but you can’t fool the public all the time. You have to have a great memory to be a liar, and I’m not a liar. So I like to be the person who does things real. Yes, I am a romantic.

When were you last in Las Vegas doing a monthlong run of headliner shows?

In the ’80s. My early Las Vegas career was so magnificent. On my first visit, I wound up at the Riviera and met Dean Martin. Dean took a shine to me right from the get-go, and he signed me up to that hotel putting his name on the marquee, “Dean Martin presents Engelbert Humperdinck.” He never did it with any other artist that appeared there. I thought that was magnificent.

As we went on, we became good friends — it was a great relationship. I went on his show several times. He even let The Gold Diggers travel with me as my opening act. Dean used to rent my home, he used to stay in my home in Las Vegas. I’ve continued to come in for weekend shows at the Orleans over the years.

It’s been a long journey from the early days in Leicester and London. Any regrets about it changing your life entirely?

I have no regrets, no. Just a couple like when Gordon, my manager, died. There wasn’t a person to hold up as good as he did as a manager, and I had quite a few not-so-good managers along the way. My son Scott right now is managing me. He’s doing a fabulous job being that he knows me so well, and he understands my music.

He’s very good and has a very good ear for music. So when we’re choosing songs for the show, he’s very instrumental in choosing songs with me, and I’m very happy with that. I need his help.

When do you finish wrapping up the documentary of your career and life?

It will be finished actually when I come to Las Vegas. It’s going to be finished over there. It’s taken a whole year. You’re going to be seeing things that have never been seen before on film. There are backstories that nobody knows about. It’s going to be nice exposure. A lot of good things are happening in my life right now. We have a jewelry line coming to market that’s going to be fantastic.

But I’m really looking forward to bringing this legacy of love to the Smith Center for Valentine’s Day Weekend.

Engelbert Humperdinck plays the Smith Center on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past 15 years giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Sun A&E Senior Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

By Robin Leach, Las Vegas Sun

Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 | 2 a.m. 

http://lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2015/feb/09/engelbert-humperdinck-ive-tried-all-kinds-music-/