At 90, Engelbert Humperdinck has an unusual workout routine he credits with keeping him 'alive' and going strong. But it's not just his physical health that's thriving; his career is also experiencing a resurgence, thanks to a decades-old song. The British singer, known as the 'King of Romance,' recently shared his unconventional exercise regimen on 'The Jim Masters Show.'
"I walk out in the pool all day," he said. "I do all my martial art moves in the pool underwater, which makes it even more effective. … And that’s how I stay alive and keep going and keep myself as fit as possible so that the audience can see me in a respectable way."
Humperdinck's workout routine is certainly intriguing, but it's his career trajectory that's even more fascinating. At 90, he's still performing regularly and preparing to release a new album, 'Faithfully,' on Aug. 28. The album features Humperdinck putting his own spin on songs by Journey, the Cars, KISS and Aerosmith, with several guest musicians joining him on the record.
What makes this particularly fascinating is that Humperdinck's career has been defined by his ballads, particularly 'A Man Without Love,' which was featured in two episodes of Marvel Studios' 'Moon Knight.' Since the song's resurgence, it's triggered something off, and it's so nice to know that people are now not worried about an age. They're worried about the music, and that’s all that counts as far as I’m concerned.
But it's not just his music that's resonating with audiences. Humperdinck's personal story is also deeply moving. His wife, Patricia, died in 2021 after living with Alzheimer's disease and contracting COVID-19. The couple married in 1964 and remained together for 57 years until her death at age 85. "She’s the backbone. She was the backbone to my whole life, I think, because she started with me when I was nobody," he said. "And so she was instrumental in the early years."
Humperdinck's music has taken on a deeper meaning since his wife's passing. His heartfelt ballads are now bittersweet, and he finds joy in performing them for audiences today. "There's no better feeling. There's no better feeling than walking on stage," he said. "I call myself a thespian of song. So when I'm singing, I act a part. It's not acting really, it's reality coming through. But I give my all and I read the lyrics a little differently now, especially since I lost my wife. And it comes out more sincere."
In my opinion, Humperdinck's story is a testament to the power of music and the resilience of the human spirit. At 90, he's not just keeping his body young with an unconventional workout routine; he's also keeping his career and his legacy alive through his music. As he continues to connect with audiences through his ballads, he's leaving a good taste in his career behind, and that's just wonderful. That's the kind of legacy I want to leave behind.
