I nearly choked on my cornflakes when it was announced on the radio this morning that 1960s corny ( but not flakey ) crooner Engelbert Humperdinck, is to represent the UK at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Bleary eyed and still half asleep, I immediately questioned whether it was the beginning of March or April and an April Fool prank!! Surely this is the last waltz & last resort for the UK?

The veteran 75-year-old singer Engelbert Humperdinck, is best known for his brace of 1967 No1’s “The Last Waltz” and “Release Me”, the latter preventing the Beatles having a further No1 with the Double A Side “Strawberry Fields Forever” / “Penny Lane”. I would like to see either of those No1s performed at the Eurovision Song Contest, but apparently Engelbert Humperdinck will perform a new song, to be recorded specially in London, Los Angeles and Nashville. It will be written by Grammy award-winning producer Martin Terefe and Ivor Novello winner Sacha Skarbek, who co-wrote James Blunt hit “You’re Beautiful”.

Engelbert Humperdinck, who was born in Leicester with the name Arnold Dorsey, has sold more than 150 million records worldwide during his 45 year career. His last UK top 20 single was 40 years ago, titled somewhat appropriately “Too Beautiful To Last” which reached number 14. The singer has received four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe for Entertainer of the Year and is one of only a handful of artists with a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Las Vegas Walk of Fame.

Engelbert Humperdinck is the oldest ever Eurovision contestant and if he wins, will be the UK’s first winner since Katrina and the Waves 15 years ago. And why not? We tried the younger, sexier 1990s boy band Blue last year and their attempt fell on deaf ears………so why not go to the other extreme and wheel out an old age pensioner, who happens to have a fantastic, middle of the road voice that will appeal to all those mobility scooter owners, viewing across Europe?!!

Katie Taylor, BBC head of entertainment and events, pointed out: “Not since the 70s have we had such an established international musical legend represent the nation”. In the 1960s and 1970s it was customary to have established pop stars represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest – Sandie Shaw, Lulu, Cliff Richard and the Shadows to mention a few.

This year’s competition will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on the 26th May in front of a global audience of 120 million viewers. Let’s face it, that’s less viewers than the number of records Engelbert Humperdinck has sold during his illustrious career……..so he will not be intimidated in the least!! I say good luck to him…………and hopefully he can buck the trend of recent years and overcome the political shenanigans and win the damn thing for the United Kingdom!!

Which are your favourite Engelbert Humperdinck songs, singles or album tracks? Let us know in the Reply Box below.

You can immortalise Engelbert Humperdinck in your own home or workplace / office, by ordering your favourite vinyl record or CD; single, album or album cover; framed and mounted as a picture disc. ORDER NOW by clicking on…….. http://www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Alternatively this would make a unique present or original gift for a special celebration  ie a Wedding ( Wedding Song ), a 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 70th Birthday, a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!! THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!

For further news and all other merchandise and memorabilia, go to the Official Engelbert Humperdinck Website…… www.officialengelbert.com/