By Rita Charleston
For the Times
Engelbert Humperdinck has been labeled, and he loves it.
Dubbed the “King of Romance,” Humperdinck, who will be showing off those romantic ways when he graces the stage at Resorts in Atlantic City this weekend, said, “It’s all quite flattering to know that people recognize you with that quality. To be the ‘King of Romance,’ is wonderful. I mean, there were only a couple of other people who have been termed ‘Kings,’ like Elvis Presley and Clark Gable, so I find it all quite a compliment to be in that sort of company.”
The “King of Romance” was born Arnold Dorsey, the ninth of l0 children, in Leicester, England, and “borrowed” the name Engelbert Humperdinck from the composer of Hansel and Gretel because it was unique. The name, he said, has served him well.
“I don’t think people would remember Arnold Dorsey as easily as they remember Engelbert Humperdinck,” he said.
After six years of saxophone lessons, Humperdinck made his debut as a professional musician at the age of l7. He was quite pleased with the success he found and had plans of continuing in the music field. But on impulse, he entered a singing contest that was to change his life forever. To his own amazement, he won.
“That was the first time I had experienced applause and what it was like to be cheered like that,” he recalled. “To me, that was better than sitting down and playing an instrument. I never thought I would become a professional singer, but things change, don’t they?”
They do, although some things seem to always remain the same. Like Humperdinck’s appeal to a worldwide audience. His first big break came in l967 at a time when all of Britain tuned in weekly to a popular TV program, Sunday Night at the Palladium.
One fateful Sunday, the entertainer who had been signed for that evening’s show became ill and was unable to appear. Humperdinck took his place and sang Release Me, a re-worked American country ballad that he had recently recorded. His appearance on the show propelled the song up the charts and ensured Humperdinck’s success in the music world. He says he won’t ever forget that magic moment.
Another milestone that he won’t forget was recording After the Lovin.’ It received two Grammy Award nominations and spawned a gold single, a platinum album and the most-played Jukebox Record of the Year Award.
“Another highlight that stands out in my mind was getting my star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” he said. “Here I am now with all the legendary people in our industry. To walk in that company is quite wonderful.”
Today, at the age of 66, the still-handsome icon of the 1960s and ‘70s is a consummate entertainer, continuing to tour the world about l40 days a year, giving audiences what they’ve come to expect — passionate love songs.
“I like meaningful, meaty songs that tell a story,” Humperdinck explained. “I lean towards more romantic tunes because they inspire a more intimate response with the audience. I will always share romantic ballads with my audience, but I’m really open to all kinds of music.”
Selling well over l30 million records, including 64 gold and 23 platinum, Humperdinck made it into the Guinness Book of World Records when Release Me spent 56 consecutive weeks on the charts. He recently released an album, Definition of Love, which includes cover versions of Elvis Presley’s Love Me and the Beatles’ Penny Lane.
He’s also displayed his acting abilities over the years on various TV series and wouldn’t mind doing more.
“I‘ve never really been given the opportunity of being in a movie or doing my own sitcom,” he said, “and I’d like to do that because I know I have acting ability. I only hope I’m not too old.”
After many years in the business, no matter what comes along, Humperdinck said he’s ready to accept the challenge.
“I have no thoughts of slowing down or retiring,” he said. “Why would I? This is my way of life, and as long as people out there want me, I’m here.” ••
For show times and ticket information call Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420.