Introduction:
Engelbert Humperdinck: A Lifetime of Music, Love, and the Song That Started It All
It began with a song—just one song—that changed the life of a young man with big sideburns, a velvet voice, and dreams bigger than the muddy road he used to carry his girlfriend down. Today, Engelbert Humperdinck, the international legend, celebrates a career that spans decades, continents, and hearts worldwide with the release of a brand-new documentary: Engelbert Humperdinck: The Legend Continues.
A Voice That Launched a Legacy
“Do you still sing on airplanes?” the interviewer asked jokingly. Engelbert smiled, knowingly. “Especially that song.” He’s talking, of course, about “Release Me”—the 1967 hit that skyrocketed him to stardom. “That one song started this whole thing in my life,” he said. “To this day, I can’t walk through an airport without someone singing it to me.”
Yet ironically, Release Me was initially voted a “miss” on a British TV show called Jukebox Jury. “I was crushed,” Engelbert admitted. “But a Jewish lady I was staying with told me, ‘It’s going to be a hit all over the world.’ She was right.”
More Than Just Music
The new documentary—set to premiere in Hollywood at the Malton Theater—is more than a career retrospective. It’s a tribute to his beloved late wife, Patricia, who stood by him through it all. “She’s in heaven now,” Engelbert said, visibly emotional, “but this film is dedicated to her. She helped me so much along the way. She believed in me when no one else did.”
Engelbert also shared how he came from a large family—seven sisters and two brothers—but was the only one to pursue music. “Out of ten kids, I’m number nine,” he laughed. “They could all sing, but none of them did it professionally. That path was mine alone.”
Global Fame, Humble Heart
With 64 gold albums, 35 platinum albums, and a Golden Globe Award under his belt, Engelbert is still humble. “Sometimes I look at my discography and think, ‘Is that really me?’” he mused. “I have to pinch myself.”
From the UK to the Philippines, where he recently toured, Engelbert’s fan base spans the globe. “It amazes me that in countries where English isn’t even the main language, they sing every word of my songs,” he said. “I don’t know how they do it—but I’m grateful.”
And yes, he jokes, fans are still throwing underwear onstage. “Enough to fill a suitcase—or five,” he chuckled.
The Sideburns That Came Before Elvis
When asked about his signature look, Engelbert revealed that his iconic long sideburns came before Elvis, before The Beatles—before anyone. “I wanted to create an image for myself,” he said proudly. “And I brought it to America. Then Elvis took it—and dominated,” he added with a grin.
No Plans to Retire
Though he’s been performing for over half a century, don’t mention the word “retirement” around Engelbert. “That’s a horrible word,” he said firmly. “I don’t want to sit at home doing nothing. It’s not what my wife would have wanted, and it’s not what I want either.”
Instead, he continues touring, singing, and sharing his story. “This documentary brought back so many memories,” he said. “It’s been a great journey—and I hope it never ends.”
A Night to Remember
Engelbert Humperdinck: The Legend Continues premieres tomorrow night at 7:30 PM at the Malton Theater in Hollywood. The evening will include a live screening, followed by an onstage Q&A with Engelbert himself. Fans can expect laughter, emotion, and a lifetime of stories wrapped in one unforgettable night.
“Shake his hand,” the host told the audience. “It’s the greatest handshake you’ll ever experience.”
With warmth, charm, and an unshakable love for both his audience and his wife, Engelbert Humperdinck continues to be a legend not just in name, but in heart.