Engelbert Humperdinck

Engelbert is an English pop singer. Born in 1936, in Madras, British India (now Chennai, India), Arnold George Dorsey was one of ten children in a British Army family. The family relocated to Leicester, England, in 1946, where Arnold’s love for music began to blossom. Influenced by singers like Al Jolson and Frank Sinatra, Arnold started practicing the saxophone and playing in local clubs.

In the early 1960s, Arnold teamed up with his roommate and fellow musician, Gordon Mills, who became his manager. Mills convinced Arnold to change his name to Engelbert Humperdinck, borrowing the name from the 19th-century German composer. The new moniker proved to be a stroke of genius, piquing public interest and setting the stage for a breakthrough.

Engelbert’s career took off in 1967 with his hit single “Release Me,” which reached number one in the UK and number four in the US. The song famously prevented The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” / “Strawberry Fields Forever” from claiming the top spot. As a result, Engelbert quickly gained international fame, following up with more hits like “There Goes My Everything,” “The Last Waltz,” and “Am I That Easy to Forget.”

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Engelbert expanded his career to include television and film. His TV show, “The Engelbert Humperdinck Show,” brought his music to a broader audience. He also appeared in a few films, including “The Love Machine” (1971) and “The Great American Traffic Jam” (1980).

In 2012 Engelbert Humperdinck represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. It was not a success, because he ended up in 25th position with only one point.

Despite his professional success, Engelbert faced personal challenges. His marriage to Patricia Healey endured infidelity and the stress of fame, but they remained together until her death in 2021. Engelbert also struggled with financial setbacks, eventually declaring bankruptcy in 1985. However, he persevered, continuing to tour and release new music.

With a career spanning over 50 years, Engelbert Humperdinck has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Though he never won a Grammy Award, his contributions to popular music have earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a place in the hearts of fans around the world.