At 75, Engelbert Humperdinck Still Going Strong

As I freelance writer, I get all types of writing assignments. Some are a little boring, some are interesting, and sometimes you are lucky enough to get to speak with someone that you have listened to all of your life.

I got that chance last week when I chatted with the King of Romance, aka Arnold Dorsey, aka Engelbert Humperdinck, aka “Enge” to his friends.

You may not know him from some of his lesser-known monikers but anyone who hears a few bars of Release Me or After the Lovin (my favorite) immediately recognizes the suave singer of romantic melodies.

At a time when most people his age (75) are planning their retirement, Humperdinck is still touring and remains regarded as one of the best pop balladeers of all times. He’s sold over 150 million records, earned four Grammy nominations, won a Golden Globe ward and has 63 gold and 24 platinum records.

Arnold George Dorsey was born in Madras, India, and relocated to England when he was 10 years old. He began his musical career as a saxophone player. “When I was growing up, I listened to Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby. I loved the lyrics,” said Humperdinck. 

One night on a whim he took the microphone and belted out a song.   “It was the first time I experienced a standing ovation. That was better than sitting down and playing an instrument. I realized I had to sing,” he said.

He sang for a while in pubs before being struck with tuberculosis in his 20s, landing him in the hospital for six months.

Instead of killing his career, he transformed. Humperdinck and his manger decided to change his name to the long-dead German opera composer, and Engelbert Humperdinck was born. His new image included long black sideburns and jet black hair, long before Elvis acquired a similar look.

Humperdinck leaped to the charts in 1967 with the hit Release Me.  International tours, thousands of fans and a string of pop hits followed.

Now that Humperdinck is returning to Las Vegas to perform four shows at the Paris Resort during July 21-24, I asked him what Sin City was like back in the day. 

“I came to Vegas in 1969 to check out venues,” he said. “It was very different. People dressed up and performers connected to the audiences. Dean Martin took me under his wing and I started performing at the Riviera under the banner, ‘Dean Martin Presents Engelbert Humperdinck.’ ”

Humperdinck and Elvis both performed at the International Hotel in Vegas and often watched each other’s shows. “Elvis was an inspiration,” said Humperdinck. “I learned about charm, humility and how to work an audience from him. He never took himself too seriously.”

Humperdinck boasts 250 worldwide fan clubs filled with die-hard female fans. He's been married for more than 45 years, and I asked the singer if his wife, Patricia, ever gets jealous. “She’s gotten used to it. I suppose she’s been jealous a few times,” said Humperdinck.

I also asked if he ever got used to the years of attention from adoring women around the world.  

“It was and still is very flattering. I never took my image too seriously.  I love that ladies of all ages still come to my shows. Sometimes I recognize fans that follow me and come to all my performances. After all these years, that’s pretty special,” he said.

His gig at Paris will give his fans all the glitz of Vegas.  

“I am so happy to be back on the Strip and see my face on the cabs and billboards,” said Humperdinck. “Vegas is the entertainment city of the world and the audiences are wonderful.”

On July 21, Humperdinck is also receiving a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars.

Humperdinck isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He still tours, performing more than 100 shows a year, and will be releasing a new album in October. Fans can purchase tickets for his Vegas shows at www.parislasvegas.com.

I’ll never be able to interview the other King known for his killer voice, sideburns and way with the ladies, but I’m very happy to say that I got the chance to spend 30 minutes with the very charming King of Romance.