What’s the wildest moment a fan has ever thrown something on stage at Las Vegas legend Engelbert Humperdinck? Imagine being in the middle of a performance and having all sorts of random things flying your way.
“Besides keys, panties and bras? I had trunkloads of them,” the still-dashing crooner, now 84, shares with a laugh to Closer Weekly. “Once, someone threw a paternity suit at me—it wasn’t real, by the way. But hey, I got over it!” This legendary performer has seen it all, and he’s handled every curveball with grace and humor.
While fans may throw all sorts of surprises Engelbert's way, his heart remains steadfastly with his wife of 56 years, Patricia, the mother of his four children. “I met her on a dance floor, and we’ve been dancing together ever since,” recalls the artist formerly known as Arnold George Dorsey. It’s a love story that feels straight out of a romantic ballad.
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“They say love at first sight is just a myth, but not for me. Patricia was my first real date. When we danced that night, I knew I had to see her again. I told her, ‘I won’t marry you until I make a name for myself. I want to take care of you.’ Back then, I was nobody, but I wanted to ensure she'd always be comfortable.”
With over 140 million records sold, Engelbert has become a household name with timeless hits like After the Lovin' and Release Me. Despite a career spanning six decades, Engelbert is still recording new songs and eagerly awaiting the day he can return to the stage. Closer caught up with this living legend to discuss his family, fame, and the enduring power of music.
Engelbert’s Journey Through Fame
How are you holding up in Los Angeles?
“We just had a couple of quakes—I thought Elvis had returned to town! He was a great friend, and I’m thrilled we connected. Life here is full of surprises, but I’m embracing every moment.”
What keeps you busy these days?
“Besides my livestream performance on YouTube in July, which was a blast, there’s not much else to do. So, I’ve been sprucing up the house. It’s been a great time to focus on creativity and home improvement.”
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We hear you’ve been working on some new tunes?
“‘One World’ carries a powerful message of peace, love, and harmony for our universe. And ‘Forever Young’ by Bob Dylan has always been a favorite of mine. Hopefully, these tracks will find their way onto an album or EP soon.”
Secrets to Maintaining That Incredible Voice
How do you keep your voice sounding so incredible after all these years?
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate. As we age, our voices often deepen, but I’ve managed to avoid that. It’s like I’ve been given a second chance. I feel like I’m singing better than ever before.”
From Gerry Dorsey to Engelbert Humperdinck
Why did you choose the name Engelbert Humperdinck, inspired by the composer of Hansel and Gretel?
“I had started making a name for myself as Gerry Dorsey, but then tuberculosis hit, and everything changed. While recovering, I met Gordon Mills, who was managing Tom Jones at the time. We became close friends—he was even my best man. Eventually, Gordon took me under his wing, and the rest is history.”
How did tuberculosis impact your life?
“I thought my career was over. After a charity show in Manchester, I noticed blood coming from my mouth and felt a sharp pain in my chest. I had to drive 85 miles home to Leicester. Thankfully, my mom insisted on an X-ray, which led to six months of isolation in a sanitarium. Back then, there was no cure, but somehow, I survived.”
Life in the Spotlight
What was it like living in the midst of fan frenzy from the mid-60s to the mid-70s?
“It was an intense period. I was performing 300 shows a year, traveling nonstop. One time, I did 80 concerts in a row! It was grueling, especially since my four kids were young. My wife did an amazing job raising them while I was away. She’d often say, ‘If you keep this up, I’ll tell your dad when he comes home!’ But honestly, I wasn’t that strict.”
Tell us about your childhood and how it shaped your career?
“I was born in India when my dad was in the army. Later, we moved back to England, and I followed in his footsteps by joining the army stationed in Germany.
