FIFTY years ago, Arnold George Dorsey, a young British pop singer of meager success, made a decision that would change his music career, and ultimately, his life. Upon the advice of Gordon Mills, the aspiring star’s former roommate who managed Tom Jones’ career, Dorsey assumed the stage name Engelbert Humperdinck.
The move paid dividends the following year, in 1967, when Humperdinck released two songs that topped the charts in the United Kingdom: “The Last Waltz” and his enduring version of “Release Me,” which held off The Beatles’ single “Penny Lane”/“Strawberry Fields Forever” from reaching No. 1, and ended up being his signature song.
The rest, as they say, is history. “When I first started, I did not think that I’d be spending my life in the industry this long. But through hard work and the help of good people, I’m still here, doing what I love most,” the 80-year-old music artist told the Inquirer in a recent phone interview arranged by the Araneta Group.
“I think I did pretty darn well!” he added, looking back at an illustrious career that had him working with people he admired: Willie Nelson, Gene Simmons, Johnny Mathis, Dionne Warwick—the list goes on.
Humperdinck, a four-time Grammy Award nominee who has churned out some 80 albums and sold more than 150 million records, is set to return to the Philippines—where he had done a couple of gigs before—for a one-night concert on July 10 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum (call TicketNet at 9115555).
Excerpts from our interview with Humperdinck:
What are your plans for your 50th anniversary?
Honestly, I have not thought about that yet. It’s always good to wait until late in the year, when ideas really start pouring in. But most definitely, I’d be recording something really special.
To this day, your fans continue to patronize your music. Your 2014 album, “Engelbert Calling,” for instance, was No. 31 on the UK charts.
I’m grateful to have wonderful fans, not just in the UK, but all around the world.
What do you love most about touring?
HUMPERDINCK loves traveling and performing around the world
I love traveling and performing around the world, because no matter what language people speak, music speaks louder. It’s all about being able to entertain them.
You will be returning to the Philippines soon.
I look forward to that because I always have a good time there. I am familiar with the venue, as I have done shows there in the past—and the people are always fun and warm.
Do you personally put together your set lists?
Yes, I do—and it’s going to include songs from my new albums. My set is tried and tested, something I’ve already performed around the world.
I have seen people’s comments in social media, and it makes me extremely happy to know that the remarks have been very positive.
How do you stay in top condition during a tour?
I’m lucky to be at this age and still be in good shape. Unless, I get the flu, I’m totally equipped to do the shows.
What inspires you to continue performing and making music?
I love what I do, and as long as it makes me and my fans happy, I’m going to keep at it—as long as my body permits.
E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph