Engelbert What's In A Name?: The Autobiography

by Engelbert Humperdinck, Katie Wright

Having topped the charts across the world and headlined every big-name venue from the London Palladium to Las Vegas, the superstar who was friends with both Elvis and Sinatra reveals for the first time the real man - and some of the women - behind the name in his honest and humorous autobiography.

247 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 2004

About the author

1854-1921

Reviews

[Margaret Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly appreciate Engelbert’s honesty - all the good and not so good times. His difficulties and hardships prior to achieving great success were many, but he never gave up. His love and devotion to his family, friends and fans are admirable. I look forward to a sequel.

[Dianne W. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been a fan for a looong time

I liked his honesty, even though there were parts that broke my heart (his so called, misdemeanors).

I never knew of his hardships. He took me on that journey right along with him. So VERY proud of his success and the man he is today.

A very interesting read.

[Cosmic Dwellings · Rating 4 out of 5]

An highly-recommended read from the legendary 'King of Romance' assisted by the pen of a co-writer. Some interesting revelations are stored within the pages of an extraordinary life and talent which undoubtedly has garnered a few more fans since its publication. Emotions run high especially when it comes to documenting family-related events and anecdotes which also includes a specially-written section by 'Popea' (Patricia) - Engelbert's wife - which presents her perspective of their love and great common bond along with Enge's infidelity. It's a fabulous story of an ambitiously hard-working individual who has been blessed with a voice that has melted the hearts of millions and who's charismatic style and sense of humour has charmed audiences around the world for decades. A little more in-depth detail wouldn't have gone amiss when dealing with such topics as the rivalry with Tom Jones; however, we learn that a considerable amount of jealousy and paranoia were eventually involved. There are some glaring errors in the book which includes the statement that Jimi Hendrix was age "38" when he died (he was actually 27!), the first meeting with Elvis took place in 1972 (not '73) and also Elvis' close friend and bodyguard Red West is referred to as "Fred West". Annoying. Furthermore, the Discography at the back of the book omits the 'B' sides of the singles and there are some erroneous track listings and omissions in the albums section. Nevertheless, "Engelbert - what's in a name?" is an autobiography which will, for the most part, thrill the veteran fan and entice the newcomer.

[Carol Denise Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me I am a great fan of Englebert Humperdinck who has a permanent residence on my office walls. His songs are all "Mesmerizing" and offer fulfillment to anyone lucky enough to hear them. In reading Englebert, What's In A Name? He grew up a shy boy who slept with his teeth pressed against his knuckles, trying to push his teeth back. With full lips that he referred in the book as Car-bumper big, I laughed so hard. In actuality, Englebert Humperdinck is one of the best-looking entertainers there ever was. The ninth of ten children, Englebert grew up in Madras India and wanted to be a band leader. He was a womanizer even when he was in the service. Suddenly, one day he grew into his looks, so even when he and Patricia were married, they were poor. However Engle was so good-looking grocery store clerks would give the poor couple free food because Englebert was so good-looking she couldn't help herself. I loved hearing how Engle and Patricia met. She died this year after 56-years of marriage. Patricia's first impression of her husband: "He's a handsome, swarthy, well-tanned fella," she told them, "who looks smashing in his white suit - and he has a great smile-but there's something odd about him," she finished. In case anyone wants to know, Patricia sent Engle packing after he cheated. It was not easy for Engle to get her back and when they got back together, he cheated again. I loved this book and I tell you I was thrilled to learn that my favorite singer's career kicked off on the Ed Sullivan Show. The saddest part of the book was how hard Patricia fought to allow Englebert to be the entertainer. When news was coming out about his affairs with other women, Englebert called Patricia with a warning. One time Engle impregnated another woman at the same time he did his wife and the woman had her baby first. Whatever the case, you have to love this book and Patricia. There were times she'd show up unexpectedly at one of Engle's show and she had to go home because Engle had planned to be with someone else. Low and behold at the end of Patricia, who Engle called Popea's life, he was dead fast committed to his wife. When she developed Alzheimer's disease, Englebert did not short-change Patricia and he even wrote a song for her "No One Else Will Do. Overall, this book is a great, great read. It took years and years and a lot of slim pickings for Arnold George Dorsey to make it as an entertainer. I was walking down the street on a city street in Arizona when I heard "Love Me With All Your Heart" and that song made me one of Engle's biggest fan. I want to say without his wife Patricia, there'd have been no Englebert. So, glad he deferred to his wife at the end. I highly recommend this book, Engelbert What's In A Name!"

[Tony Montana · Rating 1 out of 5]

First I am glad I bought this book for .25 at a tag sale. And unfortunately that was probably an overpay. What a pile of garbage. Not sure what the fascination is with The Hump. It is clear from the book that he is a misogynist, who has one interest in mind with women. There are many other adjectives I could add but won’t as to what I think his behavior is.
As for his singing ....well... if you hear one song of his you basically have heard every song of his. How anyone can sit through an entire concert is mind blowing.
Save your money

[Kryptonian Fletch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I compromised at giving this book 3-stars.

The first half of the book, that recounts Mr. Hunperdinck’s childhood, adolescent and early career when he sang as Gerry Dorsey (before he changed his name and, consequently, ‘hit it big’) is fascinating reading … 5 stars.

But then the entire book becomes utter garbage (1 star … at best)... just a rambling series of random non sequitur dull stories and anecdotes.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Englebert Humperdinck fan from the very beginning of his career, I can’t tell you how totally transparent this book is.
I could almost hear his voice telling his life’s story. From his birth in India to I believe 1988 he pens his life on his way to “The King of Romance”.
I went through many emotions through his story and am happy to say that Englebert is 85 and still appearing in concerts in the USA, and other countries around the world.

[Helene Giroux · Rating 5 out of 5]

canno’t stop reading….

I just can’t stop reading this…it shows up an ordinary man with his fears and struggles behind the legend… Be blessed by his perseverance through his journey. I wish though that he would have been more faithful to his darling wife….

[PASQUALE A. MEGARO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Insightful. Yes, he has flaws like the rest of us, but his family is so important to him. He is genuinely a nice man who allowed us into his life. I recommend this book.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had pretty well made up my mind on my feelings about Enge until I read his book. Now I have reconsidered and feel his wife Patricia was just as responsible for his actions as he was by excepting his flagrant activities.
I love his music and humor and am possibly even jealous that while I don't condone his affairs, I could be like any other young lady and have fallen for him myself. I have been around entertainers and know what they are like, it's like fishing in a pond for them. His beginning was tough but he had perseverance and guts and the love of family and friends. I do applaud his tenacity,... and a ps to this, Tom Jones was never as good and still isn't !