Who Is Engelbert Humperdinck (singer)? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Engelbert Humperdinck, born on May 2, 1936, is currently 88 years old. Renowned for his deep, resonant voice and romantic ballads, Humperdinck has captivated audiences across the globe since the 1960s. He was born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras, India, but moved to Leicester, England, at a young age. His stage name pays homage to the German composer of the same name, which he adopted early in his career. With a career spanning over six decades, Engelbert has released numerous albums and hit singles, making him a beloved figure in the music industry.
| Occupation | Pop Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 2, 1936 |
| Age | 89 Years |
| Birth Place | Madras, Madras Presidency, British India |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Engelbert Humperdinck (singer)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Engelbert Humperdinck stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall, with a weight that has fluctuated around 180 pounds (82 kg) throughout his life. Despite his age, he maintains a charming presence, often seen dressed elegantly in tailored suits during performances.
In the mid 60s, Humperdinck visited German songwriter Bert Kaempfert at his house in Spain and was offered arrangements of three songs: "Spanish Eyes", "Strangers in the Night", and "Wonderland by Night". He returned to Britain where he recorded all three songs.
He recognised the potential of "Strangers in the Night" and asked manager Gordon Mills whether it could be released as a single, but his request was refused, since the song had already been requested by Frank Sinatra. "Spanish Eyes" and "Wonderland by Night" would be included on the singer's 1968 LP A Man Without Love.
In early 1967, the changes paid off when Humperdinck's version of "Release Me" topped the charts in the United Kingdom and hit No. 4 on the US Billboard 100.
Arranged by Charles Blackwell in an "orchestral country music" style, with Big Jim Sullivan and Jimmy Page as session musicians and a full chorus joining Humperdinck on the third refrain, the record kept the Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever"/"Penny Lane" from the top slot in the United Kingdom (for the first time since 1963).
The B-side of "Release Me", "Ten Guitars", continues to be enormously popular in New Zealand. "Release Me" spent 56 weeks in the Top 50 in a continuous chart run, and was believed to have sold 85,000 copies a day at the height of its popularity. The song has remained at the core of Humperdinck's repertoire ever since.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Engelbert Humperdinck has been married to his wife, Patricia Healey, since 1964. The couple has four children together: Scott, Jason, Brad, and Louise. Tragically, Patricia passed away in February 2021 following a battle with COVID-19, leading Engelbert to navigate life as a widower. While he has not publicly announced any new romantic relationships since his wife's passing, fans remain hopeful for Engelbert's happiness as he continues to share his music.
The Man I Want to Be was released in late 2017. While composed largely of newly written material, the album included two notable covers: "Photograph" (Ed Sheeran), and "Just the Way You Are" (Bruno Mars). In 2018, the singer came out with a newly recorded Christmas album, Warmest Christmas Wishes.
In May 2019, Humperdinck premiered a new song, "You", a self-described ode to motherhood written for him by British songwriters Jon Allen and Jake Fields. As a birthday gift to his wife, Patricia, Humperdinck appeared in a music video of "You", filmed on location at the Houdini Estate.
The singer's record label announced the late-2019 release of an EP of songs titled Reflections. Humperdinck followed this up with further EPs in 2020 [Sentiments] and 2021 [Regards]. A new studio album, All About Love, was released in 2023.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Engelbert Humperdinck's estimated net worth is around $150 million. This impressive figure is primarily due to his successful music career, which encompasses hit records, world tours, and diverse media appearances. Additionally, endorsements and investments in various business ventures have contributed to his financial standing.
Career, Business, and Investments
Engelbert's career took off with hits like "Release Me," which topped charts in multiple countries. He has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Engelbert has also expanded his brand by venturing into television, starring in specials that showcased his musical talents.
In recent years, Engelbert has invested in various projects, including music ventures and philanthropic efforts aimed at healthcare initiatives. His passion for music remains strong, with new albums and collaborations released even in 2025, keeping him relevant in today’s music scene.
Dorsey's attempt to get his music career off the ground was interrupted by conscription into the British Army Royal Corps of Signals during the mid-1950s. After his discharge, he got his first chance to record in 1959 with Decca Records. He had been spotted when he won a talent contest in the Isle of Man the previous summer.
Dorsey's first single "Crazy Bells" (b/w "Mister Music Man") was not a hit despite him plugging the songs on two appearances on the ITV teenage music show Oh Boy! in February and March 1959.
He switched to Parlophone later that year but his first record for them, "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" (b/w "Every Day Is a Wonderful Day") was not successful either. Dorsey would return to record for Decca again, but almost a decade later and with very different results.
Also in 1959 he became part of a touring show called "The Big Beat Show" with other pop singers of the time including Billy Fury, Vince Eager, and Terry Dene. Further television appearances followed in 1959 on the ITV show "The Song Parade". A tour as a support to Adam Faith followed and he continued working the nightclubs.
In June 1961, however, he was stricken with tuberculosis and spent nine months in hospital. He eventually regained his health and returned to show business in 1962 but had to start virtually all over again. Dorsey went back on the variety stage and to nightclub work, but with little success.
Social Network
Engelbert Humperdinck is active on social media, maintaining a presence on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. He uses these channels to connect with fans, share updates about his music, and post personal anecdotes from his life. His online following is robust, with millions of fans engaging with his content and expressing their admiration for his work.
In 1976, Humperdinck's commercial credentials were buoyed by "After the Lovin'", a ballad produced by Joel Diamond and Charles Calello, and released by CBS subsidiary Epic. The song was a top 10 hit in the US went Gold, and won the "most played juke box record of the year" award.
The album of the same name reached the top 20 on the US charts, was nominated for a Grammy Award, and was a Double Platinum hit for the singer. Three of the album tracks were produced by Bobby Eli and recorded at the Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia.
As critics point out, the singer's unexpected foray into the "Philadelphia Sound" was successful, adding to the overall strength of the work. Rounding off the year, Humperdinck made his first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson with a live performance of the hit single.
Joel Diamond went on to produce a series of albums recorded by Humperdinck for Epic, including This Moment in Time from 1979 (the title song topped the US adult contemporary charts) and two Christmas albums. These albums also found the singer working with important musical arrangers like Charles Calello and Jimmie Haskell.
In 1979, following his late-decade chart successes stateside, Humperdinck took his stage show to Broadway with appearances at the Minskoff Theatre.
Education
While specifics about Engelbert's educational background are limited, it is known that he pursued music from a young age. His formal training and experience in various musical styles, including pop, rock, and traditional standards, have greatly influenced his ability to perform with such enduring success.
Humperdinck retains ties with Leicestershire, where he spent much of his youth, and is a fan of Leicester City F.C. In August 2005, he auctioned one of his Harley-Davidson motorbikes on eBay to raise money for the County Air Ambulance in Leicestershire. In 2006, the University of Leicester awarded Humperdinck an Honorary Doctorate of Music.
On 25 February 2009, Leicester City Council announced that Humperdinck would be given the Honorary Freedom of Leicester alongside author Sue Townsend and former professional footballer Alan Birchenall. In 2010, Humperdinck was one of the first nine people to be honoured with a plaque on the Leicester Walk of Fame.
