Engelbert Humperdinck Biography

Fast Facts

• During his more than 40 years in the music industry, he has sold over 150 million records
• Had early success in the UK under the name Gerry Dorsey, but had to reinvent himself after a bout of tuberculosis nearly ended his career, taking on the name of a 19th century composer
• Began learning the saxophone at the age of 11 and went on to perform at pubs during his teenage years
• Quote: "(On agreeing to let his manager change his name): "I had no choice․ I was a starving singer, and someone was giving me a chance to get on in the business․""
• During his later career, he produced "The Dance Album," which featured remixes of his hit songs, and an album of duets with the likes of Elton John, Smokey Robinson, and Kenny Rogers
• Best known as a pop singer whose hit songs include "Release Me," "The Last Waltz," and "A Man Without Love․"
• Has produced a wide variety of work in several genres, from romantic ballads to the theme song to a "Beavis and Butthead" movie
• During the height of his career, artists like Jimi Hendrix and The Carpenters were opening his shows