CleveScene’s Exclusive Interview with Engelbert Humperdinck
Jeff Niesel of ‘CleveScene‘ sat down with legendary singer, and OK!Good artist Engelbert Humperdinck to talk about his history in Cleveland, as well as his last release “Engelbert Calling” which was a double-record of all duets with other famous singers like Elton John, Willie Nelson, Olivia Newton-John, and more!
Talk about what it was like to record Engelbert Calling?
I got to work with some of the people I truly admire. Johnny Mathis has a forever voice. He’s like a Nat King Cole. I was so thrilled to work with him. And people like Elton John and Neil Sedaka and Kenny Rogers and Gene Simmons. Elton started it for me. I called him first. That’s why it’s called “Engelbert Calling.” I called him and asked him if he could do a song on my duets album. He said yes and so I thought I would call them all. That’s the way it started. I called them all and they all said yes, including Willie Nelson. Willie was great. And, of course, Gene Simmons was outstanding. Who would put Engelbert Humperdinck and Gene Simmons together? But it worked. It was just great.That song with Elton John is a treasure.
That’s the B-side of “Candle in the Wind.” It sold millions and millions of records. That song is as well known as “Candle in the Wind.” When he said he wanted to do that song with me, I was really, really thrilled. We didn’t start singing right away when we got in the studio. We just talked for a couple of hours before we even started putting our voices down. It was great getting to know each other again after a long time.Read the full exclusive interview at CleveScene.com
Engelbert Calling is available for purchase at all of Humperdinck’s US tour dates as well as music retailers nationwide and online from our webstore, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Bandcamp, and Spotify. Humperdinck’s limited edition vinyl, Duets EP, will be available for purchase at all US tour dates as well as in the our web-store. Limited edition Humperdinck posters are available for purchase on all tour dates. Find a tour date near you at engelbert.com/tour
