Introduction:
While the name Engelbert Humperdinck might conjure images of opulent capes and a powerful baritone voice delivering dramatic love songs, the artist himself wasn’t always known by that stage name. Born Arnold George Dorsey in India in 1930, Humperdinck’s career began in the late 1950s under his birth name. However, by the mid-1960s, he had adopted the more theatrically appealing “Engelbert Humperdinck,” a name inspired by the famous German composer Engelbert Humperdinck who composed the opera “Hansel und Gretel.”
The year 1966 proved to be a pivotal one for Humperdinck. It was in this year that he released “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing”, a song that would catapult him to international stardom. The song falls under the umbrella of Easy Listening and Pop, a genre that was flourishing in the mid-1960s. With its smooth orchestration, gentle percussion, and Humperdinck’s signature smooth vocals, “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing” offered a tender and romantic soundscape. The song was produced by Jack Gold, a record producer who had previously worked with artists like The Hollies and Herman’s Hermits.
“Love Is A Many Splendored Thing” was more than just a hit song; it became a cultural phenomenon. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, a significant achievement that solidified Humperdinck’s place in the music industry. The song’s success can be attributed to several factors. The beautiful melody, composed by Sammy Fain with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, creates a timeless and sentimental atmosphere. The lyrics themselves speak to the universal experience of love, capturing the joy, wonder, and complexities that come with it. Lines like “Love is a melody that lingers on” and “Love is a reason to carry on” resonated with listeners and continue to do so today.
The impact of “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing” extended beyond the charts. The song became a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions, further solidifying its association with love and romance. Numerous artists have covered the song over the years, including artists as diverse as Westlife and Kenny Rogers, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Even today, “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing” remains a beloved song. It continues to be played on radio stations and featured in movies and television shows. For Engelbert Humperdinck, the song was the launching pad for a long and successful career. It established him as a singer synonymous with romantic ballads and helped solidify his image as the “King of Romance.” While Humperdinck has released many other songs throughout his career, “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing” holds a special place, a timeless reminder of the multifaceted beauty of love.
Video:
Lyrics:
   Love is a many splendored thing
It’s the April rose that only grows in the early SpringLove is nature’s way of giving a reason to be livingThe golden crown that makes a man a kingOnce on a high and windy hill, In the morning mistTwo lovers kissed and the world stood stillThen your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to singYes, true love’s a many splendored thingLove is a many splendored thingIt’s the April rose that only grows in the early SpringLove is nature’s way of giving a reason to be livingThe golden crown that makes a man a kingOnce on a high and windy hill, In the morning mistTwo lovers kissed and the world stood stillThen your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to singYes, true love’s a many splendored thing