Step through the doors of Engelbert Humperdinck’s home, and you’re not just walking into a house — you’re entering a living museum of one of music’s most enduring voices. In a rare recording, the velvet-voiced icon invites viewers into the sanctuary he shares with his late wife’s spirit, recalling not just a lifetime of music, but a journey marked by hardship, resilience, and grace.
Born in Leicester, England, Engelbert — once known as Jerry Dorsey — began in the working men’s clubs of the Midlands. These were not glamorous venues; they were proving grounds. “If you can win over that crowd,” he says with a smile, “you can play to anyone.” It was a brutal, honest education in showmanship. And it laid the foundation for a career that would one day span continents and eras.
His rise was not without suffering. Contracting tuberculosis at the peak of early success nearly ended his career. In those days, it was a disease that carried both stigma and fear. But Engelbert believes divine intervention gave him a second chance. “God said, ‘I’ve got more work for you,’” he reflects, his voice warm with gratitude.
That work found its breakthrough in 1967 with “Release Me” — a song that didn’t just top the charts but shattered records, selling 124,000 copies a day at its peak and keeping The Beatles from a number one spot. Yet the song’s origins were humble: a forgotten R&B tune discovered by his manager Gordon Mills, reimagined with a subtle country lilt and a unique key change Engelbert crafted himself.
Success followed, and so did hits like “After the Lovin’” and “Quando, Quando, Quando.” But home always remained his anchor. His wife, an avid gardener, designed every inch of their 25-acre estate, including peaceful hideaways and a meditation garden. “She created this,” he says softly, leading the camera to a corner with candles and a Buddha statue. “It’s where she found peace. And I still do too.”
The tour reveals not just beauty, but deep roots. His family crest lies at the bottom of the pool. His father’s restored vintage V12 car sits proudly in the driveway. His bar — fully functional — houses “Engelbert Humperdrink Ale,” brewed for charity. Every room whispers of history, every corner holds memory.
In his office, walls are lined with tributes to a life lived among legends. Sammy Davis Jr., Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, and Elvis — not just peers, but friends. “Elvis came to see my shows,” Engelbert shares, his eyes gleaming. “He told me he had all my albums. I told him, ‘Then I’m recording some of yours!’” He even claims Elvis borrowed his signature sideburns. “I shaved mine off right after,” he laughs. “Let him have them.”
Yet for all the lights, crowds, and global tours — from Vegas to Tokyo — Engelbert’s heart remains rooted in family. His siblings remain close. His children, scattered across continents, stay connected. “I live in the theatre and the sky,” he jokes about his constant travels. “But this… this is home.”
Today, Engelbert may be a global name, but behind the fame is a man who values loyalty, legacy, and love. His voice still melts hearts, but it’s his stories — honest, nostalgic, and deeply human — that truly resonate. In this rare glimpse behind the curtain, he reminds us that the real song isn’t just what the world hears… but what remains in the quiet moments, long after the applause fades.