Engelbert at 50: Sounds like new
‘I’m a Taurus... very much the bull. I am strong when it comes to the road and I get stronger through the years when most people are slowing way down.’
Did you know that Engelbert Humperdinck once lost his voice and feared that he might not be able to sing again?
That was in 2006 when he was forced to cancel his Asian tour while in Malaysia where he learned that his brother was diagnosed to be suffering from brain tumor (he has since recovered).
“You can get laryngitis or pharyngitis but what I got was shock pharyngitis which can stop you from singing,” Engelbert had told
The STAR in an interview at that time. “I was thankful that I got my voice back a week later.”
Ten years ago, Engelbert was in Manila to celebrate his 40th anniversary as a singer. “It’s because the Philippines has a soft spot in my heart,” he said. “Wherever I go in the world, I always meet Filipino fans who know my songs. Not only Filipinos but fans anywhere in the world always request me to sing Release Me, the song that started my life.”
On Nov. 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Engelbert will celebrate with Pinoy fans his 50th anniversary in the music with an array of classic love songs and romantic ballads. The preChristmas presentation from Ovation Productions will kick off a three-date, three-city concert series that also includes shows on Nov. 30 at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan City, Laguna, and on Dec. 2 at the Rose Memorial Hall, Central Philippine University in Iloilo City. It is part of the Asian leg of Engelbert Humperdinck 50th Anniversary Tour, a global touring celebration of half century of the successful musical career of a singer considered as one of the hottest male pop idols of the ‘60s. Isn’t it nice to once again hear Engelbert sing “live” the hit songs he has popularized in his sweet, powerful voice such as Release Me; Quando, Quando, Quando; The Way It Used To Be; The Last Waltz; After The Loving; Man Without Love; Spanish Eyes; Love Me With All Your Heart; Am I That Easy To Forget; and many more? And maybe some songs from his double-CD of duets, Engelbert Calling, released in the United Kingdom by Conehead Records last March 17 and charted in the UK Top 40. The album features the singer in the studio with musicians like Charles Aznavour, Elton John, Il Divo, Johnny Mathis, Lulu, Willie Nelson, Olivia Newton-John, Cliff Richard, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Rogers, Neil Sedaka, Ron Sexmith, Gene Simmons and Dionne Warwick. (Engelbert Humperdinck 50th Anniversary Tour is presented by Ovation Productions. Tickets for the Smart Araneta Coliseum concert are available through www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555. Tickets for the shows at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan City and Rose Memorial Hall, Central Philippine University In Iloilo City are available through www.smtickets.com or SM Customer Service.)
Here’s Engelbert, 81 and still sounding like new, in an exclusive e-mail Conversation:
What are your thoughts as you celebrate your 50th anniversary in the music industry?
“The road to 50 was paved with such unexpected stepping stones. With each mile and year that passed, I was always in awe of the life I was blessed to live and I counted those blessings. As with birthdays, the years seem to fly by as we get older, so I am deliberately soaking up as much of this year as possible and going to as many wonderful places in this
world. I’ve always had a special connection to the Philippines and have felt your appreciation for my kind of music. How could I not come here in such a special year!”
How is your current tour different from the previous ones?
“There was so much material to add to this year. We needed to make sure that the songs that got me to where I am were honored and that the new songs, which speak music into my life over the last 50 years, are well represented. We have a great deal to share and a heartfelt surprise or two. I’m thrilled to be spending the end of the year with you.”
Hasn’t slowing down or retirement ever entered your mind?
“I’m a Taurus... very much the bull. I am strong when it comes to the road and I get stronger through the years when most people are slowing way down. I am also a man who likes the creature comforts of home and my easy chair. I get on the first plane out after a show to go home... even if it’s 4 a.m. and I get antsy when I sit too long in my easy chair watching talent shows, playing cards, darts, and scrabble. I think I have a good balance, and as long as I have that I will continue on my path.”
Anything else that you want to do, to achieve?
“I’d like to see and help other talents through to their dreams.
“In my life, I have met so many whom I knew before their talent was recognized globally. I could spot success a mile away. Once in awhile, I would give ideas or share my experiences with those who I saw the hunger and tenacity and talent. It was always great to see them again, in the spotlight, on the other side of the struggle. It would be nice to be there for the whole process... from raw talent to polished performer.”
You have countless achievements, what would be the most memorable?
“I’d have to say, the luck of my first break when I replaced someone who was ill on Sunday night at the London Palladium, and the next day, my Release Me single was flying off the shelves at a rate of 80,000 a day! “Getting my star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame outside of the Roosevelt Hotel felt like the moment’s dreams were made of and I never imagined that in my wildest dreams. “Reaching my 50th anniversary in showbiz and still producing new relevant music that the fans appreciate is a big achievement. “Last but not least is reaching 60 years together with my wife so far, 50 years dating and seven years courting. The number 50 seems to be a wonderfully lucky number. I’m happy to be in the company of several who count this year as their 50th in showbiz. I’m sure we all never imagined this day... back in the day!”
Looking back, is there anything you would change or would have done differently?
“It’s difficult to say. I can’t lay blame or wish change on the life I lived. It was my first rodeo... how was I to know what to do and how to do it. I trusted a few people I shouldn’t have but when you are being pulled in a million directions and are pulling the wagon, it’s hard to pay attention to everything.”
Music today is so different from that of yesteryear. How do you relate to it?
“I relate to the talent and showmanship. My era and just before that was fertile with talent. People had a wide range of ability which captivated live audiences. I appreciate vocal range and control but if there is no connection with the audience, in live show or on the radio, it doesn’t speak to my heart. I’m a fan of Adele, Bruno Mars (who sang for me as a performer at a fan club party; he was five years old and he already had a star picked out). And Ed Sheeran, too. Lady Gaga is an outrageous talent with so many colors.”
If not a singer, what would you have been?
“Who knows? The music bug took hold of me very young, and I lived the life of someone who wasn’t about to have a Plan B. I would sneak in late to my factory job after a late night gig the night before. I loved the sax. Oh yes, maybe I would have been a sax-playing factory worker with an active imagination on what might have been.”
Aside from a good singing voice, what other Godgiven gift is most important/valuable to you?
“I have a life-long penchant for writing free verse and quotes. I hardly have time to express myself aside from through song and music and live performance, so I steal the moments in the early morning and do a crossword. From that, I will find a word that intrigues me or stirs a thought or memory, and then I write something to start my day. I usually call my youngest sister and let her know what I’ve come up with but now, I can just e-mail a group of friends and get feedback. It feeds my creativity and keeps me sharp. I cherish the gift of creativity... it gives volume and color to special moments in time.”
What would you tell your 20-year-old self?
“I would say... hold on... your life awaits. Start a diary and pay attention to the lessons that will come your way. Your gut instinct is good but stand up for what you feel is wrong and right. Pick out some good fabric for curtains for your future self... a ppreciate the hard work and beauty that is woven into the curtain, that will rise and fall for 50 years and more on the stage that is your life. I told you I like to write!!!
“During my concert, I’m very much looking forward to sharing the songs from the last 50 years and the new ones from the 50th year CD called The Man I Want to Be.”