“Release Me,” a ballad of yearning and heartbreak, catapulted Engelbert Humperdinck to international stardom in 1967. Born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras, India, Engelbert Humperdinck, named after the 19th-century composer, was already in his early 30s before achieving mainstream success. He honed his craft for years in British clubs, adopting the more memorable moniker that would soon grace record charts worldwide. While “Release Me” was far from his only hit, it remains his signature song, a testament to its enduring power and his commanding vocal delivery.
The song itself, originally released by Little Esther Phillips in 1962, speaks to the plea of a lover trapped in a relationship that has lost its spark. Humperdinck’s rendition, however, transformed the song into a global phenomenon. His performance resonated deeply with audiences, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and staying there for six weeks, famously keeping The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” from the top spot. It also achieved significant success in the United States, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
The impact of “Release Me” was undeniable. It sold over a million copies within weeks and helped Humperdinck win the 1968 Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Critics and audiences alike praised his rich baritone voice and the raw emotion he poured into the song. The audience connected with the universal theme of unrequited love and the bittersweet acceptance that sometimes, letting go is the only option. Fan mail flooded in, filled with stories of heartache and resilience, proving that Humperdinck had struck a chord with a generation grappling with love, loss, and the courage to move on. “Release Me” became an anthem for the brokenhearted, solidifying Engelbert Humperdinck’s place in music history.