Life lessons with Engelbert Humperdinck
With a new album just out, singing legend ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK (82) talks about dealing with life’s ups and downs and the power of prayer
■ Men should cry
We all get obstacles thrown at us in life. My wife Patricia has Alzheimer’s disease but I never give up believing there will be a cure. It’s hard but she has the best carers at our home – and I’m pretty good too. Our children are also very supportive. I get more emotional on stage than I used to. Sometimes the tears well up but I don’t think it’s a bad thing to see a big man cry.
■ Prayer works
I totally believe in the power of prayer. It’s such a strong asset and when people know there’s illness in your family, for instance, and they’re praying for you, I believe the prayers travel through the air, getting stronger and stronger and stronger – a bit like an electric current – until they find their way to the needed spot.
■ I love Britain
I may have lived in California for many years but I am still very proud of being British. Please don’t say you can hear any Americanisms in my voice or any kind of American twang as I’ve tried very hard to retain my British accent. Actually, it’s a good job I’m not talking to you in my native Leicester accent because you wouldn’t understand me, me duck!
■ It’s never too late to lose weight
Earlier this year, I recorded a TV show in Hawaii and wanted to look good for it. I decided to go on an all-out workout and weight-loss programme. I started eating healthily and worked out religiously every day. Within a few months, I went from 17 stone to 14 stone and my waist went from 38in to 34in. I feel so much better.
■ My wife comes first
I love my work as much as I ever did but when I’m not working I stay at home in order to be with Patricia. I used to like going out and socialising – we both did – but I’m not doing it without her. These days I’m a homebody and by her side is where I want to be.
■ Elvis taught me so much
Elvis Presley taught me stagecraft, humility and not to take myself too seriously. I first met him when he came to see my show in Las Vegas in the mid Sixties. He came in done up to the nines – wearing his cape and everything. I was very nervous. I introduced him, he stood up on the table and opened his cape, and the audience went berserk for ten minutes. I’m not joking – he stopped the show for ten minutes! But afterwards we became great friends.
■ My latest offering
My new album, Warmest Christmas Wishes, is a mix of great old standards such as White Christmas as well as some new numbers. One of them, Around the Christmas Tree, is a great one for family and friends to sing together. There’s also a beautiful German song on the album called Silently Falls the Snow.
■ Warmest Christmas Wishes is out now, rrp £9.99
■ Engelbert was talking to Alison James.