Engelbert Humperdinck

Engelbert Humperdinck Artistfacts

  • May 2, 1936
  • His birth name was Thomas Arnold George Dorsey. Born in Madras, India, his father was a captain in the Royal Engineers.
  • He recorded for a short time under the name Gerry Dorsey. This pseudonym was chosen because of his accurate Jerry Lewis impersonation.
  • Has frequently been likened to Tom Jones because of their smooth, pop style. The two even shared the same manager (Gordon Mills) for a short time.
  • Humperdinck almost gave up singing in the early Sixties when he contracted tuberculosis.
  • Gordon Mills, his manager, was the one who suggested the name change to Humperdinck. It is the name of the Austrian composer of Hansel and Gretel.
  • He hosted a variety show in 1970, based on Tom Jones' This Is Tom Jones. Humperdinck's show was canceled after six months.
  • After the early 1990's, he has been known simply as Engelbert.
  • His song "Lesbian Seagull" off the Beavis & Butthead Soundtrack introduced him to a new generation.
  • Humperdinck won a Golden Globe in 1988 as Entertainer of the Year. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys

Mike Scott of The WaterboysSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Whole Of The Moon" and "Red Army Blues," and why rock music has "outlived its era of innovation."

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Leslie West of Mountain

Leslie West of MountainSongwriter Interviews

From the cowbell on "Mississippi Queen" to recording with The Who when they got the wrong Felix, stories from one of rock's master craftsmen.