NEWS

Engelbert Humperdinck returns to Rhode Island Sunday

Published: October 07, 2014 01:00 AM

BY SUSAN MCDONALD

Special to The Providence Journal

A few years ago, sitting in the audience at a live Elton John concert, venerable ladies’ man and pop singer Engelbert Humperdinck heard his name mentioned from the stage.

“Elton John is up there, giving a live performance, and he’s telling a story about a little-known song of his that he’s about to sing. He said he remembers being a poor songwriter, sitting in his flat in London with his partner, waiting for Engelbert to call and make it a hit!” Humperdinck laughs aloud at the memory. “So, years later, I called him.”

The resulting conversation was the impetus for Humperdinck’s most recent album, a rich compilation of duets released in the United States on Sept. 30 entitled “Engelbert Calling.” The 78-year-old British-born singer with four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe for “Entertainer of the Year” in 1988, 63 gold and 24 platinum records and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame says he was starstruck.

“How cool was that? Elton John talking about me in the middle of his live show!” he says in a phone interview from California.

The aptly named “Engelbert Calling” — look for a redux entitled “Engelbert Redialing” — gathers a wide range of musicians from across the globe to sing with the man whose debut album, “Release Me,” halted the Beatles quest for a 13th number one album in 1967. He calls it his “wish list” of singers.

The lineup includes “Never Never Never” with Olivia Newton-John, “Spinning Wheel” with Gene Simmons,” “Spanish Eyes” with Il Divo, “Since I Lost My Baby” with Cliff Richard, “She Believes in Me” with Kenny Rogers,” “Make You Feel My Love” with Willie Nelson, “A Certain Smile” with Johnny Mathis, and “It Matters to Me” with Dionne Warwick. In addition, because this is a “world appeal album,” Humperdinck mixed it up with Luis Fonsi, who he said is “like the Elvis Presley of South America right now” for “Quién Te Dijo Eso” and with Armando Manzanero, who won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award this year, on “It’s Impossible/Somos Novios.”

“This has been a labor of love. It was two years in the making because it was difficult to get the caliber of people we wanted to be on this record. Thank God for technology,” Humperdinck says, noting that he was able to record together with only some of the musicians. Others separately recorded their tracks, which were then mixed in the studio.

One fun day in the studio, he says, was with Gene Simmons, front man for the rock group Kiss.

“Being in the studio with Gene Simmons was unbelievable! He’s a rock god and such a charismatic person. It’s something I’d never experienced before,” Humperdinck says, again a little starstruck.

Working well into his seventh decade was not even a question for Humperdinck, who earned legions of fans, mostly females, across the globe in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s with such hits as “(Please) Release Me,” “After the Lovin’,” “The Last Waltz,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” and “Quando, Quando, Quando.”

He has spent a lifetime reinventing himself, which he credits for his perennial popularity. Born Arnold George Dorsey, the singer had a manager who suggested a new name that was “just outrageous enough to be memorable.” Forty-seven years later, he is still “constantly updating” his image, his music and himself.

“It’s like cell phones — they’re always coming out with a new one! I don’t rest on my laurels. I want it to be fresh,” Humperdinck says. “I’m getting a younger demographic now, but I’ve always had appeal across the board. … That’s what keeps me relevant, a place where every artist should be.”

Engelbert Humperdinck will appear in concert on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 7:30 p.m., at the Park Theatre, 848 Park Ave., Cranston. Tickets range from $55 to $75. Go to parktheatreri.com for ticket reservations.

http://www.providencejournal.com/features/entertainment/music/20141007-engelbert-humperdinck-returns-to-rhode-island-sunday.ece

After Engelbert Humperdinck came in second to last place in Baku in 2012, we wondered what he would do next. Then last year ago he revealed that he was working on an album of duets, including one with Gene Simmons of notorious rock legends Kiss.

We weren’t sure what to think, but finally the Humperdinck-Simmons collaboration has been released and it is about as glorious as you could expect. The pair have covered “Spinning Wheel”, the funky track from 1969, originally recorded by Blood, Sweat and Tears.

The smooth vocals of the Hump contrast with the growly rock voice of the Demon, and they manage some tight harmonies. But most importantly – the song is full of attitude. If the Hump had brought this sort of performance to Baku, it’s likely he would have left with more than a measly 12 points. (And here’s a thought – maybe Gene Simmons could represent his birth country, Israel, in 2015.)

The Hump’s album of duets is called Engelbert Calling and includes collaborations with such music legends as Elton John, Kenny Rogers and Dionne Warwick, as well as fellow UK Eurovision representatives Cliff Richard, Olivia Newton-John and Lulu. If those duets are as mighty as “Spinning Wheel”, it’s sure to be a great album.

by Robyn Gallagher

http://wiwibloggs.com/2014/10/04/uk-engelbert-humperdinck-duets-rocker-gene-simmons/62131/

 On the heels of the Sept. 30 release of his first-ever duets album, “Engelbert Calling,” a 23-track, two-disc masterpiece featuring some of the world’s most recognized names in music, including Elton John, Gene Simmons, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-John and more, legendary music artist Engelbert Humperdinck will make his triumphant return to the Park Theatre in Cranston on Sunday, Oct. 12.

Engelbert’s Rhode Island performance is part of an extensive North American tour in support of his highly anticipated new album.

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

More than 45 years after his massive hit “Release Me” reached #1 on the pop charts and created a worldwide frenzy – spending six full weeks at #1 and an incredible 56 weeks in the Top 50 in a single chart run – Engelbert’s newest album comes as a celebration of his remarkable career, which has spanned nearly five decades. After selling more than 150 million albums across the globe, including 24 certified with platinum status and 63 with gold, Engelbert has solidified his name as an international pop legend, and as one of the world’s most influential artists. For the past two years, he has worked on “Engelbert Calling.”

“Engelbert Calling” has been met with rave reviews since its U.K. debut earlier this year, reaching near the top of the U.K.’s Top 40 Albums Chart. Once available for pre-order in the U.S., “Engelbert Calling” quickly topped the Barnes and Noble Vocal Pop Music Sales Chart and the Adult Contemporary Music Chart.

After the show, the Park will host the After the Lovin’ VIP Lounge, a rare chance for fans to meet Engelbert Humperdinck. During the 30-minute meet and greet, fans will receive an autographed tour laminate, an autographed greatest hits CD, an additional VIP item and more. Call the Park for more information.

Engelbert Humperdinck will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12. Tickets are $55, $65 and $75 and are available through the Park’s Box Office at 467-7275 or online at www.ParkTheatreRI.com. The Park Theatre is located at 848 Park Ave. in Cranston. Free parking is available for all shows.

http://www.warwickonline.com/stories/Engelbert-Humperdinck-returning-to-Park-Theatre-in-support-of-duets-album,96608

"Engelbert Calling" is the new album and the first ever duets album from the legendary and incomparable Engelbert Humperdinck. Known as the world's greatest balladeer, this collection is his 80th album release, arriving more than 45 years after his massive hit "Release Me" reached #1 on the pop charts and created a worldwide frenzy. This new album comes as a celebration of his remarkable career which has spanned nearly five decades and includes sales of more than 150 million albums world-wide, including 24 certified with platinum status and 63 with gold.

The album was produced by Grammy award winner Martin Terefe, who is best-known for his work with Jason Mraz, James Morrison, KT Tunstall, and Mary J Blige. "Working with Engelbert is such a truly remarkable experience," Terefe stated when asked about his work with Engelbert. "He is without a doubt one of the best singers around today and brings so much other musical knowledge to the table."

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

"I am grateful to have had the opportunity to partner up with some of the best artists in the history of music." Engelbert said about the album. "To continue putting out successful albums after 45 years in the business is a real testament to the loyalty of my great fans and this album is a 'thank you' to all of them."

Engelbert Calling is available today at music retailers nationwide and online.

http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2014/10/engelbert_humpe.html

Posted in music on October 3, 2014

Posted: Sunday, October 5, 2014 6:00 am

BY STEPHEN KOPFINGER Correspondent

You could say Engelbert Humperdinck is riding a curve. A duets-inspired curve, in which legendary singers such as Humperdinck, Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett are topping the charts with a series of albums that team them with musical artists of all styles.

Humperdinck isn’t bringing the likes of Elton John, Gene Simmons, Olivia Newton-John and Johnny Mathis — some of the co-stars on his new duet album, “Engelbert Calling” — to American Music Theatre on Friday. But the English singer is bringing enough star power of his own.

Humperdinck — born Arnold George Dorsey and raised in Leicester, England — burst upon the charts in 1967 with his plaintive ballad “Release Me.” That song is famous for its memorable opening: “Please release me/Let me go/’cause I don’t love you anymore,” and it’s the song “everyone sings in (my) face at the airports,” says Humperdinck in a jovial phone interview from Los Angeles.

Fans — and they are legion — have followed Humperdinck’s career for 47 years, enjoying such signature songs as the swoon-worthy “Spanish Eyes,” the wistful “Les Bicyclettes del Belsize” and the monster 1976 smash “After the Lovin,’ ” which is still a standard at wedding receptions everywhere.

“Release Me,” however, remains Humperdinck’s favorite. There’s also a bit of history behind it: The song “stopped the Beatles from having a 13th No. 1 song” in 1967, Humperdinck says with pride.  On his “Engelbert Calling” album, he teams with country queen Wynonna Judd to pay homage to “Release Me.”

“She has a powerful country voice,” Humperdinck says with praise. And he jokes that Judd was so pleased with the results she told Humperdinck, “ ‘I might put that out as a single.’ ”

Humperdinck was flattered, but flattery was the reason his duets album came together, right down to the title.

Elton John, now Sir Elton John, is a music legend, but even legends have to get started somewhere. Humperdinck happened to hear of an interview Sir Elton gave in which he recalled his lean years, writing songs and hoping that someone like Humperdinck would make one of them a hit.

Honored, Humperdinck contacted John after that recollection. Thus came the title “Engelbert Calling,” and the album’s salute to Sir Elton is their duet of “Something About the Way You Look Tonight.”

But there’s a more personal side to the album. Humperdinck’s daughter, Louise Dorsey, is featured in a number titled “Better,” and son Bradley Dorsey teams with his dad in a duet called “Father and Son.” Humperdinck’s other son, Scott, serves as the singer’s manager and was instrumental in putting together the “Engelbert Calling” project.

“Actually, it’s taken two years. It’s been a labor of love,” says Humperdinck, who worked with Scott on contacting such artists as Mathis, Newton-John and, yes, Gene Simmons of rock band Kiss fame. The two team up on a funky rendition of the old Blood, Sweat & Tears hit “Spinning Wheel,” which is a worthy tribute to the great 1969 original.

Simmons is known for his outrageous image, but Humperdinck has nothing but good things to say.

“It was easy to put this together,” he says of “Spinning Wheel.”

“Gene was a natural. He’s a wonderful man.”

For all of his musical connections, Humperdinck — he takes that moniker, by the way, from a 19th-century German composer of the same name — didn’t really grow up in a musical family. His father served in the British military and Arnold George Dorsey was actually born in India, then part of the British Empire. The family — “I’m from a family of 10!” Humperdinck says — later relocated to England.

“When I was a boy, I wanted to be a band leader,” recalls Humperdinck. “By accident, I sang in a club.” He remembers with amusement that somebody asked him who his agent was, and he replied that he didn’t have one.

Humperdinck is 77 now. He’s played Lancaster before and is looking forward to doing so again. It’s just one of many stops and many projects he has in the works. He’s filming a biographical documentary titled “In Time,” which he hopes to have finished by the end of the year. And there’s a second duet album in the planning, to be titled “Engelbert Redialed.”

Asked about any unmet dreams, Humperdinck admits he’d like to sing with such musical powerhouses as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and beloved opera tenor Andrea Bocelli.

“(I like) singers with personality,” Humperdinck sums up.

Otherwise, “I’ve done everything I’ve really wanted to do,” Humperdinck says, though, after pausing, adds, “I don’t think I’d want to be an actor!”

He advises aspiring young singers of today to be persistent if you want to get anywhere.

“First and foremost, work hard at your craft. Knock on many doors. If you’re rejected, you get stronger. And get yourself a good manager!”

Engelbert Humperdinck will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at American Music Theatre. Tickets are $69.

http://lancasteronline.com/entertainment/music/engelbert-humperdinck-will-make-a-call-to-american-music-theatre/article_89dd9dcc-49d6-11e4-9973-001a4bcf6878.html

BARNES AND NOBLE RESCHEDULED IN STORE APPEARANCE DATE:

OCTOBER 29 2014 - 7PM

"Sadly due to a family medical emergency, Engelbert had to postpone all the promotional events for his new album this week in New York. He very much regrets any inconvenience this might cause and will confirm new dates soon. Engelbert will now be staying in Los Angeles to be close to his family and he appreciates your understanding."

NOTE: ALL TOUR DATES ARE GOING AHEAD AS PLANNED

BARNES AND NOBLE RESCHEDULED IN STORE APPEARANCE DATE:

OCTOBER 29 2014 - 7PM

Please dont forget to "FOLLOW" Engelbert on Twitter for EXCLUSIVES!

Sign Up Here:https://twitter.com/ehumperdinck

"Engelbert Calling" The 15 Sec TV Commercial For Canada 

Watch Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzFQAVLBl2U

Engelbert Humperdinck will be autographing CDs and performing songs from his newly released duets album, “Engelbert Calling” at the Barnes & Noble on the Upper East Side of Manhattan on Wednesday, October 8th at 7pm.

New York, NY (PRWEB) October 03, 2014

Legendary music artist Engelbert Humperdinck will be celebrating the release of his 80th album and first ever duets album, “Engelbert Calling” with a special in-store performance on October 8th at the Barnes & Noble store on the Upper East Side of Manhattan (150 East 86th Street, New York, NY).

“Engelbert Calling” comes as a celebration of Engelbert Humperdinck’s remarkable career which has spanned nearly five decades. After selling more than 150 million albums worldwide, Engelbert has well earned his reputation as an international pop legend, and has established himself as one of the world’s most enduring popular artists. His new album features duets with a choice selection of the world’s most recognized names in music including Elton John, Willie Nelson, Olivia Newton-John, Gene Simmons, and many more.

This historical in-store performance and meeting with Engelbert Humperdinck at Barnes & Noble will start at 7pm with doors opening sharply at 6:30pm. A wristband is required to attend the event, which guests will receive with the purchase of one “Engelbert Calling” CD. Guests will be able to receive a maximum of two wristbands per person with the purchase of two or more CDs. There will be a limited number of 120 seats available and overflow will be able to watch from a screen outside of the event. Barnes & Noble is expecting a very large crowd so make sure you arrive early to ensure that you receive a wristband.

More information for the event can be found at: http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/84770.

Event address: 
Barnes & Noble 
150 East 86th Street, 
New York, NY 10028 
Telephone: (212) 369-2180

“Engelbert Calling” was released September 30th, 2014 by OK!Good Records and is available now at all major music retailers nationwide.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/10/prweb12221642.htm

TORONTO - Engelbert Humperdinck decided to dial up friends and non-friends alike for his first duets record, "Engelbert Calling" — and apparently he wasn't daunted by international fees.

Two Toronto-based artists — celebrated songwriter Ron Sexsmith and country-ish singer Johnny Reid — both appear on the record, a double album that also features Willie Nelson, Wynonna Judd and Il Divo.

Reid and Humperdinck vamp through a version of Smokey Robinson's "You've Really Got a Hold On Me," and when reached by phone, the 78-year-old Humperdinck leapt unprompted to praise Reid.

"Gutsy singer with a raw sound," the Indian-born, England-raised easy listening vet offered.

"He has great appeal."

Sexsmith, meanwhile, co-croons one of his own compositions: the holiday tune, "Something To Hold On To."

Humperdinck credited his record label with bringing Sexsmith to his attention.

"He's very talented. Great writer," said Humperdinck, best-known for the songs "Release Me," "The Last Waltz" and "After the Lovin'."

"It's a Christmas song, so we've got something that's going to be forever at Christmastime."

Otherwise, Humperdinck enlisted appearances from Kenny Rogers, Dionne Warwick and even Kiss mogul Gene Simmons, whom Humperdinck terms a "charismatic character."

Perhaps it would be fair to say the guest of honour is Elton John. Humperdinck was listening to one of the six-time Grammy winner's live albums in which he actually referenced a fondness for Humperdinck, which prompted a phone call to John to see if he would record a duet.

"He started the whole thing by being the first to sign up," said Humperdinck. "He's like the honeycomb. You've got Elton John, you've got a great name."

Humperdinck also duets with two of his children, Bradley and Louise Dorsey. His other son, Scott, manages him.

He still tours near-endlessly — he has three Ontario dates over the next month — and claims this is his 80th album. But he's already mulling the next one.

"I had my wishlist of all my people I wanted," he said. "The ones I didn't get on this album will definitely be on the next one. It's called 'Engelbert Redialled.'"

By Nick Patch, The Canadian Press October 3, 2014 1:00 PM

http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Engelbert+Humperdinck+duets+with+Canadians+Sexsmith+Johnny/10259506/story.html#ixzz3F7OTaYtz