Engelbert Humperdinck, the velvet-voiced balladeer behind the global hit “Release Me”, celebrates his 89th birthday with a career still in full swing and a heart full of gratitude. As he prepares to complete 60 shows by 2025, the iconic crooner reflected on a lifetime of music that, remarkably, still resonates with audiences across generations.
“Some of my songs are as fresh as when I recorded them over 50 years ago,” Engelbert shared in a recent interview. “They’ve survived because people love to sing them—and I love that they’ve become karaoke favorites.” Whether in a packed concert hall or a cozy restaurant, the joy of sharing music continues to fuel his passion.
Recalling a memorable night in Hong Kong, Engelbert spoke fondly of joining in on a karaoke session at a Japanese restaurant. “I decided to sing a few of my own songs, which I hadn’t done like that in a while,” he said with a smile. “People came in from other rooms just to listen. It was amazing.”
Reflecting on his “Last Waltz Tour,” the singer described his 88th year as a poetic dance of energy and renewal. “The circles intertwined like a waltz,” he mused. “As we took the stage in different parts of the world, the audience gave me the strength to keep going. I realized—it’s not time for the curtains to go down.”
Engelbert’s career-defining moment, however, dates back to a pivotal night at the London Palladium. “That’s the place that started my life,” he told Jackie Brambles on Greatest Hits Radio. “Release Me had been sitting on the shelf for months. But after that performance, everything changed.”
The next day, the single exploded—selling up to 90,000 copies a day and ultimately blocking The Beatles from their 13th number one. “A nobody from Leicester,” Engelbert said humbly, “stopped The Beatles. It was a life-changing encounter.”
Today, Engelbert Humperdinck remains a symbol of timeless elegance and enduring talent. As he celebrates 89 years of life and music, his voice—and his story—continue to inspire. And if you ever find yourself at a karaoke bar, don’t be surprised if one of his classics comes on. Chances are, he’d be the first to sing along.