METRMAG Spotlight On: The Enduring Popularity of Engelbert Humperdinck as he returns to the Hanover Theatre with his "All About Love Tour" (Worcester, MA.)
(Cover Photo: ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK. Photo courtesy of www.engelbert.com)
By Kevin T. Baldwin
METRMAG Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
METRMAG Spotlight On:
The Enduring Popularity of Engelbert Humperdinck as he returns to the Hanover Theatre with his "All About Love Tour"
Performance:
(Rescheduled) October 2, 2023 at 7:30pm
Presented at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester.
TICKETS:
Tickets are $49, $59, $69 and $89 depending on seat location. Discounts are available for subscribers and groups of 10 or more.
For More Information:
877-571-SHOW (7469) info@thehanovertheatre.org
COVID 19 PROTOCOLS
Contact Venue for Most Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Information.
METRMAG Spotlight On: The Enduring Popularity of Engelbert Humperdinck as he returns to the Hanover Theatre with his "All About Love Tour"
After all his many career milestones, honors and acclaim, the entertainer known as ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK could just look back and smile in retrospect of his musical legacy.
Instead, he chooses to continue to expand upon that legacy, appearing here soon, bringing along some timeless favorites of the past and reaching forward to the future with new material.
On tour, ENGELBERT makes two stops in Massachusetts next month: A performance at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester on October 2, 2023 at 7:30pm
and then appearing the very next night at Memorial Hall in Plymouth on September 28th.
His schedule is non-stop. His name should actually be "Energizer Bunny Humperdinck" (MBE) because, as the ad states, this entertainer just keeps going and going and going and...
METRMag chatted with ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK to see what it is that drives him and, from the outset, it is clear that much of that drive comes from a single source - that intense bond uniting entertainer to fans.
In the case of "Enge" that bond is made of concrete.
(Photo: ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK. Photo courtesy of www.engelbert.com)
When arranging for this interview, I was advised by others who had spoken with him that ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK was "an incredibly nice person."
They were not "overselling." He was thoroughly gracious and made this interview both insightful and pleasant.
Many already know of his legendary career. Record sales in excess of 140 million records, including 64 gold albums and 35 platinum, four Grammy® nominations, a Golden Globe®, and stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Las Vegas Walk of Fame and Leicester Walk of Fame.
It was ENGELBERT'S agent, Gordon Mills, who came up with his stage name. But, curiously – "stage names" - not as common these days but, back in the early days of entertainment venues, were usually applied to provide a shortened take on the “marquis persona.”
“Marion Robert Morrison” (8 syllables) became “John Wayne” (2 syllables)
“Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr.” (also 8 syllables) became “John Denver” (3 syllables)
“Robert Allen Zimmerman” (7 syllables) became “Bob Dylan” (also 3 syllables)
And so on…
Yet, this esteemed singer went from “Arnold Dorsey” to “Gerry Dorsey” (both 4 syllables) all the way to “ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK” (6 syllables and a whopping 20 letters).
Plus, he chose the name of a 19th century German composer (who gave us an opera for the tale of "Hansel and Gretel").
So, not so much “why” but why does the "Artist Formerly Known as 'Dorsey'" think it worked when, given the examples above, by all rights, it shouldn’t have?
"Honestly, I always thought big," HUMPERDINCK says. "My dreams were of only being a working entertainer and, when you're a starving musician waiting to be discovered, anything is eligible."
"My manager came up with the name," he continues. "He managed three entertainers at the time and gave us all our stage names: Gilbert O’Sullivan (Raymond O'Sullivan), 'Tom Jones' (Thomas Woodward) and me. He may have given me the longest name of the three but, at 57 years, it is a name that has only treated me with kindness and greatness."
That "greatness" would come to include a notable career that has seen HUMPERDINCK performing around the world and for royalty, presidents and world leaders.
Curiously, the entertainer's children (Bradley, Jason, Scott and Louise) and grandchildren - all go by “Dorsey” and not the stage name. Some of them are even involved in the entertainment business. Yet they all chose the given family name of “Dorsey.”
So, this begs the question: Why do they not also use “HUMPERDINCK" given its popularity thanks to the entertainer? The entertainer responds most humbly.
"Our late Queen (Elizabeth) was very wonderful and gave me the title MBE. For the kids, 'Dorsey' is still a very strong name. Dorsey still appears on my passport. My father was Dorsey, and I was and sometimes could still be addressed as Dorsey."
As the entertainer notes, he was awarded the Honor of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) on Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honors List presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.
And yet, was there ever a point where, after he had achieved his success, that he might consider, perhaps, losing the pseudonym and returning to "Dorsey?"
"I never did, not once. I just didn’t think it was a good idea," He says. "Because, once you start a career, it would be like starting over again. when I started as a musician. I began by playing the saxophone and, after I got sick as a child, I stopped playing it and had to learn to start over again, this time using my throat as my instrument."
Using that voice as his golden throated "instrument," ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK has recorded across multiple genres of music.
His career milestones are not only massive but have global recognition unmatched, as well.
Yet, with that said, how did he go from a cavalcade of classics such as “A Man Without Love,” “Release Me,” “Spanish Eyes,” “The Last Waltz,” “Quando Quando Quando,” “There Goes My Everything,” “After the Lovin',” “Les Bicyclettes de Belsize,” and “Bésame Mucho” to...“Lesbian Seagull” (from the 1996 film “Beavis and Butt‐Head Do America”)?
The legendary entertainer laughs as he responds on how the gig come about and how must it have felt for ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK to have a song that was released as a single back-to-back with “Lover Rollercoaster” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers?
"I was at the Greek Theatre in L.A. and the people from the movie came to the show," the singer recalls. "They saw I had a bit of sense of humor and they approached me about it. I told them to send it to me and, once I heard it, I loved its content and, subsequently, I recorded it. It went platinum. You never can tell. So, I always believe that, when an opportunity comes along, you never turn it down."
ENGELBERT'S hit song “A Man Without Love” was just featured in Marvel’s “Moon Knight” Disney+ Series, with his music & social media charts breaking all records.
In Sony Pictures’ new Brad Pitt film “Bullet Train” ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK'S song “Forever Blowing Bubbles” is featured as well.
Like the aforementioned Sir Tom Jones, ENGELBERT'S career longevity is unsurpassed, overcoming a negative stereotype commonly associated with "crooners."
When talking about singers, the word “Crooner” is not used as much these days.
It has since been replaced with terms such as (but not limited to): "vocalist," “song stylist” or “song interpreter” - to help lose part of that old “Vegas lounge act” stigma.
In a mid-to-late 60s era where harder edge music, psychedelic acts, a "counter culture" movement and singer-songwriters were emerging, HUMPERDINCK and Jones were firmly entrenched on the side of the "old guard" - seen as descendants of Sinatra, Crosby or Dean Martin.
Both Jones and HUMPERDINCK were stigmatized by what some would perceive as the "crooner" persona but it certainly did not deter either from what would prove to be their illustrious career path choices.
Both Jones and HUMPERDINCK stayed true to themselves and what they did and, as a result, amassed fans who have remained steadfast, fearlessly devoted and continuing to attend and enjoy their concerts.
The love and affection his fans show for ENGELBERT is both touching and fervent. It comes across as more like a spiritual bond between artist and audience and, at times, it is just a joy to behold.
Yet, does he have an explanation for the sheer depth of this connection? Does it come from something other than just people seeking entertainment?
"I go out, I sign autographs, I do many audience selfies - they, these fans, these wonderful people, they all put me where I am today," he says. "And, because I treat them well and they know I am responsive and appreciative, I think that is why I have had such loyal fans."
Once known as "Humperdinckers" the singer recalls how his fans had "many, many names and at one point, I had over 300 fan clubs all over the world."
"There has always been support and they have always been great to me," he says. "in some places, they used to come and decorate my dressing rooms but, with COVID, that, sadly, went away. Now, these days, I do these 'Tuesday Museday' (VLOGs) with me talking to the fans every Tuesday. I love to read their comments when I have time."
ENGELBERT was blessed with a loving wife of nearly six decades, Patricia.
Many performers feel a presence of their 'soulmates' when going out on stage. Does ENGELBERT still feel part of Patricia is always present whenever he performs? Is there that one song that most reminds him of her?
"Oh, yes," he says. "I wrote a song 'Everywhere I Go' 30 years ago and I never thought it would have the meaning that it does for me now. Of course, I still wish she would be everywhere I go, been everywhere I went. I sometimes have trouble finishing the song. More than that - Now I tend to 'read' all my lyrics differently."
While known for a specific performance style, was there ever a point in ENGELBERT'S career where he wanted to try something that was further away from what he had been known for doing?
"Oh, as a matter of fact, there is a project coming up as we speak and from which I will be stepping far outside my comfort zone - but I cannot talk about it right now. It is a very 'hush-hush' thing at the moment."
At a spry, youthful 87-years-old, the singer's incredible life's journey and career has afforded him the opportunity to cross paths with other icons in multiple fields, meeting the most famous of entertainment icons from Cary Grant, Elvis Presley to Jayne Mansfield.
In fact, ENGELBERT would buy Mansfield's home shortly before her tragic death. He would live in the home for over 30 years. He recalls how one of Mansfield's children, actress Mariska Hargitay (of "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" fame) visited the house.
"Well, Mariska was about 14 or so and friends with my daughter," as the singer remembers. "She came over the house one time and asked me to show her around the place, which I did. I gave her a tour. She was such a delightful girl."
Was there that one person, though, among all of the cultural icons and historic figures for whom ENGELBERT was left awestruck?
"I have been blessed to meet some wonderful, important people, including royalty," he says. "There was meeting the Queen (Elizabeth). Our paths crossed. She was great with me. I have been to the Palace many times."
"But, at the beginning, there was Cary Grant.," he recalls quite fondly. "As a matter of fact, it was Cary who was responsible for my getting my first television show. He used to come around on set with his daughter whenever he could."
(Photo: ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK (real name Arnold Dorsey) is made an MBE by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne. Photo courtesy of the Daily Mail)
These days, when ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK, MBE is not on stage, what does his alter ego, "Mr. Dorsey," like doing in his spare time? Any hobbies that might surprise even the most ardent of fans?
"I am a golfer, I love playing – I don’t ride my Harley anymore because the roads are so dangerous," he says. "The other thing I do is my crosswords, I write poetry – one of my favorite past times. I am also an avid TV fan. I find that television can present you with some bright new ideas, and I am always looking for new ideas."
With children and grandchildren spread out across the globe – does he get to spend as much time with them as he would like these days?
"Well, I do with the ones that are close by – my daughter is in Nashville," He says. "The ones in Australia I don’t get to see as much - but, I'll be doing a world tour next year and look forward to getting to visit them at some point."
(Video: ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK singing the tender ballad, "There's no Good in Goodbye")
ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK has performed in Worcester at the Hanover Theatre before. He speaks of his looking forward to playing there again.
"I certainly am but, this time, it is going to be a little bit different. I've got some new material. I hope they like it."
Whatever the revered and distinguished entertainer brings, rest assured there will be plenty of great songs to enjoy for both "Humperdinckers" and NON-"Humperdinckers" alike.
Tickets for Worcester's Hanover Theatre: # 877-571-SHOW (7469) or email: info@thehanovertheatre.org
Tickets for Memorial Hall in Plymouth: # 800-657-8774 or visit www.memorialhall.com
Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
ABOUT THE SHOW
In a career spanning over 50 years, ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK has generated sales in excess of 140 million records, including 64 gold albums and 35 platinum, four Grammy® nominations, a Golden Globe®, and stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Las Vegas Walk of Fame and Leicester Walk of Fame.
He has performed for the Queen four times, several presidents and many heads of state.
ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK has recorded everything from the most romantic ballads to movie theme songs, disco, rock, and even gospel.
His unique voice has charmed millions of fans around the globe.
ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK exploded on to the music scene with The Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
The shy, handsome man catapulted almost instantly to world icon.
ENGELBERT became great friends with Elvis and the two legends often performed each other’s songs.
His first single in the charts was “Release Me,” which went into the Guinness Book of Records for achieving 56 consecutive weeks on the charts. It went number one in 11 countries.
The following decades saw ENGELBERT constantly touring the world to sell-out crowds.
He still takes great pleasure in every moment on stage.
ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK'S music has transcended time and his voice continues to reach out to people now serving to transport and inspire, to embrace and to provoke feelings and emotions, ingredients that are no doubt the essence of his long-lasting success.
ENGELBERT'S hit song “A Man Without Love” was just featured in Marvel’s “Moon Knight” Disney+ Series, with his music & social media charts breaking all records.
In Sony Pictures’ new Brad Pitt film “Bullet Train” ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK'S song “Forever Blowing Bubbles” is featured as well.
ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK was just awarded the Honor of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) on Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honors List presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.
ABOUT HANOVER THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Worcester Center for Performing Arts is a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which owns and operates The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
HANOVER THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
2 Southbridge Street
Worcester, MA. 01608
877-571-SHOW (7469)
