October 29, 2014

Engelbert Humperdinck Interviewed By Mark Voger For NJ.com

Engelbert Humperdinck has been featured on NJ.com for his interview with Mark Voger. The interview touches on many topics such as life before the fame, Engelbert Calling, friendship/feud with Tom Jones, his North American tour, and much more.

Born Arnold George Dorsey, Engelbert Humperdinck was born and raised in India until the age of 10. He then moved to England where years later he would soon become the “King of Romance.”

Q. What do you remember about growing up in India?

A. You know, living in a tropical country when you’re that young — there was a lot of sunshine and a lot of attention — my father was in the army — so I was really spoiled in a lot of ways. But I did enjoy my time over there.

Q. You moved to England at age 10. Was that culture shock?

A. It was a great change, but it was absolutely wonderful. We had never seen snow before. Cold was something we had never experienced before. But I got to love it. That’s where I call home now. I still have a home in Leicester.That’s where I will go to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s.

Last month, Humperdinck released his first ever duets album titled Engelbert Calling, in which he called upon music legends to record with him. Elton John, Gene Simmons, Wynonna Judd, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Reid are just a few of the musical legends that joined Humperdinck on his new project.

Q. There’s quite an array of performers on “Engelbert Calling.” Does the title indicate that you called everyone personally?

A. I mostly did it myself. The title “Engelbert Calling” came about because one night, I was listening to a live album by Elton John. As he was introducing a song, he said, “I wrote this when I was a struggling artist waiting for an Engelbert to call and ask for a song.” Well, I didn’t ask for that song, but I did call him (laughs). Elton was the first call I made, in fact, and he said yes, of course. Having Elton was like having a honeycomb — he attracted everyone else to come and contribute.

Q. Gene Simmons of KISS is on your record. Did you work with him in the studio?

A. In the studio. Gene Simmons was absolutely amazing. Because, we are on two totally different sides of the ocean, as far as our business goes. He’s a rocker, and I’m in the romantic area. But he was such fun. He’s a rock god, but he has a great sense of humor, which he brought into the studio. He kept saying, “Eng, just have fun. Have fun with it.”

When asked about the Tom Jones rivalry, Humperdinck stated “To be honest, we were friends in the early days, when (talent agent) Gordon Mills was managing us both at the same time. Then when I went out on my own — because I felt Mills was being partial to one person — from then on, we have never spoken to each other. That’s been 28 years.”

Currently, Humperdinck is on his North American tour in support of Engelbert Calling. New Jersey fans are in luck because Humperdinck will be playing two nights in New Jersey. Humperdinck will be performing October 31st at Harrah’s Atlantic City in Atlantic City, NJ. He also will be performing November 9th at State Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ. For more information about Humperdinck’s North American tour and tickets please visit Engelbert.com

To read the full interview with Mark Voger please click NJ.com

To purchase Engelbert Calling please click OK!Good Records