Engelbert Humperdinck. The name itself evokes images of romance, velvet voices, and timeless melodies. For decades, this iconic singer has captivated audiences worldwide with his distinctive baritone and a repertoire of songs that have become the soundtrack to countless love stories. But beyond the stage persona, who is Engelbert Humperdinck, and what are the songs that have cemented his place in music history?
Born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras, British India, Engelbert Humperdinck’s journey to stardom is as compelling as his music. In a candid interview, he shared insights into his upbringing, musical influences, and the enduring love story that has been the bedrock of his life and career. Humperdinck’s powerful voice, he believes, is a gift inherited from his mother, Olive, an opera enthusiast whose singing could “make the chandeliers shake.” This early exposure to powerful vocals undoubtedly shaped his own musical aspirations.
Image alt text: Engelbert Humperdinck captivating the audience with his performance on stage, microphone in hand.
While his father, Mervyn Dorsey, served in the British Army, a path Engelbert consciously chose not to follow, music was always in the background. Growing up with seven sisters, he was immersed in a supportive and loving family environment. He fondly remembers his sister Olga gifting him a saxophone at age 11, sparking his musical exploration. Though initially shy, his passion for singing blossomed within the warmth of his family.
The Accidental Career and the Song That Stopped the Beatles
Engelbert Humperdinck’s rise to fame was, in his own words, “accidental.” A pivotal moment arrived at age 17 when a performance at a working-man’s club garnered a standing ovation. This unexpected acclaim ignited the realization that a career in music was not just a dream but a tangible possibility.
The breakthrough came with “Release Me,” a song that not only launched him into global superstardom in 1967 but also etched his name in music history. Famously, “Release Me” prevented The Beatles from achieving their 13th number-one hit, a testament to the song’s immense popularity and enduring appeal. It even earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for phenomenal single sales of its time. This iconic track remains one of the most recognized Engelbert Humperdinck songs, instantly recognizable and beloved by generations.
His family, particularly his sisters, were immensely proud of his success. This familial support system has remained a constant throughout his career, which boasts over 150 million albums sold worldwide.
Duets and Divas: Collaborations with Music Royalty
Throughout his illustrious career, Engelbert Humperdinck has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most remarkable female voices in the music industry. He speaks with admiration of artists like Dionne Warwick and Olivia Newton-John. Notably, he and Olivia Newton-John recorded a duet of Shirley Bassey’s “Never, Never, Never” in 2014, a collaboration he fondly remembers. He describes Olivia as a “beautiful woman” for whom he holds great respect.
Image alt text: Engelbert Humperdinck sharing the stage with Olivia Newton-John, both singing into microphones, highlighting their musical collaboration.
Dusty Springfield also holds a special place in his memories. He recalls her captivating performance of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” on his TV show in 1970. Having known her family prior to her fame, he personally invited her to collaborate, recognizing her exceptional talent. He unequivocally states that Dusty Springfield is “one of the best singers I have ever met,” a sentiment echoed by many music aficionados. Karen Carpenter is another artist he deeply admires, highlighting his appreciation for exceptional vocalists.
Love, Marriage, and Enduring Commitment
Beyond the glitz and glamour of show business, Engelbert Humperdinck’s personal life is anchored by a long and devoted marriage to his wife, Patricia. Their love story began when they met at a dancehall when Patricia was just 17. Their first kiss, he reveals, was with Patricia, long before they married. They have been inseparable ever since, a partnership that has weathered the storms of fame and time.
Married in 1964, before his global stardom, Patricia has been his constant companion and unwavering support. He credits her steadfast love for grounding him amidst the whirlwind of his career. While acknowledging the initial challenges of female attention that come with fame, he emphasizes that his commitment to Patricia has always been paramount. He humorously notes that audiences now are less concerned with his marital status than they were at the beginning of his career, when female fans often desired their idols to be single and available.
Image alt text: A photograph of Engelbert Humperdinck and his wife Patricia attending a formal event, showcasing their enduring partnership.
The secret to their enduring marriage, he says, is simple: “love.” He affectionately describes Patricia as “a great asset,” “a great wife,” and “a wonderful mother” to their four children: Louise, Bradley, Scott, and Jason. He proudly acknowledges his daughter Louise as the “matriarch” of the family, instrumental in keeping them united. Louise, a songwriter residing in the USA, exemplifies the artistic legacy that runs through the Humperdinck family.
“The Man I Want to Be”: A Musical Love Letter
Engelbert Humperdinck’s latest album, “The Man I Want to Be,” is a deeply personal project, conceived as a “love letter” to Patricia. The album is a musical reflection on their shared history and enduring bond. Among the heartfelt tracks is “I’m Glad I Danced with You,” a song penned by his daughter Louise and her husband. Adding an extra layer of sentimentality, his nine-year-old granddaughter, Olivia, joins him on this track, marking her own debut on the stage, much like her grandfather’s accidental start. This intergenerational duet is the only collaboration on the album and a deeply moving experience for Humperdinck, bringing him to tears with pride.
Engelbert Humperdinck’s songs are more than just music; they are chapters in a remarkable life story. From his iconic hit “Release Me” to his latest album dedicated to his beloved wife, his music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. His enduring career is a testament to his vocal talent, his dedication to his craft, and the timeless appeal of his romantic ballads. As he continues to tour and create music, Engelbert Humperdinck remains a cherished figure in the world of popular music, his songs forever woven into the fabric of our lives.
