ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK - LOVE Is All That Matters

The singer shares memories of his remarkable life and favorite showbiz stories

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It's hardly a surprise that Engelbert Humperdinck describes himself as a romantic. After all, he's been singing some of the world's most beautiful love songs, including the hits "Release Me," "A Man Without Love" and "After the Lovin,"" for six decades. "I have always approached my music with a romantic touch, singing these wonderful lyrics about love," Engelbert, 87, tells Closer. "I think romance is what makes the world go round." The critically acclaimed performer released his most recent album, All About Love, last May. He is also the subject of a new documentary, Engelbert Humperdinck: The Legend Continues, and will be hitting the road this spring on his 2024 concert tour.

"When people go to a concert, they want to hear the old songs they can relate to," he says. "I'm grateful that the songs I recorded over 50 years ago are still as precious as when I recorded them."

You were born to British citizens living in India. What do you remember from your childhood in Madras?

It was just a magical country to be in. My father was in the service. We lived in a beautiful place, right near the harbor, in a massive house. It was such a colorful country. When you looked at the streets, they looked Technicolor because of the kind of garments that people wore. And the climate was perfect. You never had to worry about the cold. When the rains came, it was like a breath of fresh air. As a kid, it was all very exciting.

Where did your love of music come from?