January 2007 Marks the 40th Anniversary of Legendary Singer Engelbert Humperdinck's First Smash Hit 'Release Me'

January 2007 Marks the 40th Anniversary of Legendary Singer Engelbert Humperdinck's First Smash Hit 'Release Me'

'Release Me' Topped the Charts and Ushered in the 'King Of Romance' Engelbert Humperdinck Who Crosses Generations With His Unmistakable Voice and Talent

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Iconic performer and Grammy Award winning singer Engelbert Humperdinck has defined romance for countless generations and this month he celebrates a milestone with the 40th anniversary of his first international breakout hit, "Release Me." Beating out The Beatles song "Strawberry Fields Forever" by early February of 1967, "Release Me" was an instantaneous hit that topped the British music charts at number-one and soared in the U.S. music charts for 56 consecutive weeks. In its peak the powerful ballad sold an unprecedented 85,000 copies daily.

"When I first heard Engelbert perform 'Release Me,' I knew a legend was being born. His unmistakable voice, magnetism and ability to mesmerize an audience made it clear he was and always will be a class act. I had the pleasure of going to one of Engelbert's concerts last year and his voice and showmanship has improved and matured like a fine wine," said producer, Richard Perry.

"Release Me" sparked Engelbert's impressive career that has spanned 40 years. In the late 60's and early 70's, he set the standard for Las Vegas-style glamour with his extravagant and lavish stage shows. With his signature sideburns, swanky wardrobe and rich 3-1/2 octave range, he was a bigger than life heartthrob who drove female fans wild. He also performed alongside fellow musical legends of the time including his personal friend Elvis Presley (who stole his sideburns) and Dusty Springfield.

Engelbert Humperdinck continues to perform over 100 dates a year. He has made 77 albums and generated sales in excess of 130 million records, including 64 gold albums and 24 platinum. He's received four Grammy's, a Golden Globe (Entertainer Of The Year, 1989) and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Engelbert has performed for the Queen of England and royal heads of state around the world.

Engelbert has lived up to his "King Of Romance" moniker with countless hits over the years including: "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You," "Misty Blue," "After The Loving," "Spanish Eyes" and "Quando, Quando, Quando." Last year he added his personal imprint to the theme song ("Little Boxes") for the popular television hit, "Weeds."

As Engelbert gears up to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Release Me," he continues to make music he loves. Last month he appeared in his first U.S. commercial in a national Staples holiday campaign. He recently released a new single in the UK, "Jerusalem" which will be featured in the "World Rugby Cup." He went back into the studio to celebrate his anniversary in the business and his roots with a new CD, "Best of British Composers", produced by Richard Perry and Lauren Wild. For more information go to: http://www.engelbert.com/

Source: EH Productions

CONTACT: Elizabeth Johnson, +1-213-713-4865, elizabeth@thinkhijinx.com,
or Heidi Johnson, +1-323-204-7246, heidi@thinkhijinx.com

Web site: http://www.engelbert.com/

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