Legendary performer Engelbert Humperdinck returns to Singapore with a set of timeless classics spanning four decades.
By Bernie Guan
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNUSUAL ENTERTAINMENT PTE LTD.
The iconic Engelbert Humperdinck thrilled over 5,000 of his fans in Singapore during his one-night only concert on Feb. 19 at the Compass Ballroom, at Resorts World Convention Centre, Sentosa.
Humperdinck, born Arnold George Dorsey in 1936 in India, proved that even without fancy staging and costumes, his voice still captures the same way it did since his first hit “Release Me”, the highest-selling single of 1967. Together with his seven-piece band and two backup vocalists, Humperdinck delivered a staple of nostalgic hits such as “Quando Quando Quando”, “Last Waltz“ and “A Man Without Love” much to the delight of the baby boomer audience. From notable originals to covers, Humperdinck, dubbed the “King of Romance”, gave a solid 100-minute show.
The Madras-born artiste, who legally adopted his stage name at the height of his career, impressed with his melodious and baritone voice which has not declined after all these years in show business. Humperdinck displayed the wit, charm and musical talent that first made him an international sensation in the 1960s. He performed without any intermission, and sang many of his memorable hits that brought the audience right back to the days of their youth.
A four-time Grammy Award-winning singer, he won yet another accolade as recently as October 2010: he was presented the Society of Young Musicians (ASYM) Music Legend Award. This award puts him among the best in a league that includes Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and Madonna. Close to the end of his twenty-two-song set filled with easy-listening music, the 75-year-old iconic performer sang a short rendition of the Rogers and Hart classic, “My Funny Valentine” as a special post Valentine’s Day treat.
Although fans were disappointed at the lack of an encore even after prolonged applause, Humperdinck had hit a home run with his final song “My Way”, a Paul Anka song made famous by Frank Sinatra. The song showed off Humperdinck’s powerful vocals and melodic sense, reminding his fans that he still has what it takes to move hearts with his music.
