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Engelbert
Humperdinck, the man the London Times called "the premiere
voice of the century," is responsible for sales in excess of
130 million records in his 27-year career -- including 64 gold and
23 platinum albums. It all averages out to sales of 5 million
records a year.
His
current album, "Love Unchained," features Humperdinck's
renditions of classics such as "Love Me Tender,"
"Unchained Melody," "Secret Love," "Such A
Night" and "Dock Of The Bay," among many others.
"These
are the songs I listened to as a boy, each with a special personal
meaning," Humperdick explained. "They're number one hits
from some of the greatest names in the business -- songs I've always
wanted to do my way."
Born
Arnold George Dorsey and raised in Leicester, England, Humperdinck
started in music at age 11 playing the saxophone -- his singing
career came purely by circumstance.
"I
went to a small club in Leicester and everyone was getting up and
singing. So I got up on stage and sang a ballad -- and I got a
standing ovation," he recalled.
In
1965, Dorsey took the stage name of Engelbert Humperdinck, taken
from the name of the 19th century German composer of the fairy tale,
"Hansel and Gretel." Both his name and musical fortunes
changed.
Since
his 1967 hit, "Release Me," Humperdinck has developed a
large base of zealous followers. He is the subject of the largest
fan club in the world with over 8 million members and more than 250
chapters around the globe.
In
nearly three decades of music, he has earned numerous honors and
awards, including a Golden Globe for "Entertainer of the
Year" and a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Humperdinck
is a contributor to and supporter of many charitable causes
including the Leukemia Research Fund, International Red Cross,
American Lung Association, Intercare and Reach Out, a charity that
serves the needs of children afflicted with AIDS.
He
and his wife of 30 years, Patricia, divide their time between homes
in England and Beverly Hills, California.
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