So, it's official.
Time to say Au Revoir to Valentine's day.
Although, I just can't do it without this one song.
Which has one of my favorite choruses of all times (video below).
I remember looking through my dad's records…
And thinking…
Engelbert Humperdinck?
Who the heck is he?
Then I saw more of his albums in the stacks of my dad's vinyls, and I thought…
Yep, suave-ilicious alright.
And now I find myself with a post, titled with that very familiar elfin-like name I learned all those 30 years ago.
30 years ago…
Sitting in my long flannel ruffled laced little house on the prairie, nightgown pajamas.
(some things never change)
On the fluffy gold carpet.
In front of my dad's record player.
Playing all my dad's records.
The Beatles, Stayin' Alive Soundtrack (and other Bee Gees faves), Hall and Oates, Placido Domingo, Sinatra, Vikki Carr, Neil Diamond, classical tunes, Pavarotti, Time Life's best love songs of 1970something, and of course Engelbert Humperdinck (amongst many many others).
So here we are.
The end of Valentine's Day 2013.
You, me and Engelbert.
Fave chorus ever, I tell ya.
This chorus also brings back memories of going to so many supper clubs with my parents as a tiny girl.
Dark leather furniture with large gold nail trim accents.
Dapper waiters on hand, poised, towel over arm.
Tables surrounding a dance floor.
A proper band in the distance.
Lots of men in all sorts of black and white combinations.
And a 5 year old girl, who would ask old men out to dance.
I'd also have endless Shirley Temples to drink, with extra cherries.
Lots and lots and lots of cherries.
I would get so sleepy as the night wore on.
My parents would put two chairs together for me to sleep on.
(if there wasn't a booth corner for me to crawl into)
I dozed in and out of sleep, the surroundings were loud, yet soothing.
Adults dolled up in fanciest of clothes laughed and laughed, as cigarette smoke romantically billowed around (before anyone knew better).
Glasses clinked endlessly as the grown ups talked all night.
Cocktail parties a plenty on weekends as well, and of course, always…
Engelbert.
I loved being 5 years old.
Now, Mister Lovee must be wondering where I escaped to?
I said I was off to brush my teeth, and would return shortly, haha!
Thank goodness Mister Lovee has TONS of records.
(as do I)
And he has a proper record player.
Some things from the past, you just need.
You know what I mean?
Aaah big band music…….I can remember it too and i’m a little older than you….Reminds me of the theme song to The Love Boat. lol……..loved that too. …Kids were allowed in bars and establishments like that back then….i remember having shirley temples….YUM…..and feeling so grown up and putting money in the jukebox to play ‘…….and she ran calling Wiiiilld Fiiire……my fav song back then….’….5ft two eyes are blue…covered in fuuurss….’ LOL Thanks for the memories……..Hugs! deb
Deb, I LOVED those places. I think I got sneakedin because they
started out with fancy dinner and then turned into dancing by night. Also,
I refused to stay with anyone, babysitter etc. So, my parents had to cart
me around with clients and such. I loved it, it reminded me of the place
Ricky Ricardos band played at a little, the ambience.
Ah, those were the times 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/15/2013 5:55:44 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Oh, Vanessa—I CACKLED when I saw this album cover.
Good Lord. What a NAME.
I love him all dyed and sweaty in the video.
Are you sure that’s not Yanni with the ‘stache?
I can’t quite get my head around your childhood, but I love hearing these stories. I swear, you were Sally Draper. I bet you were just ridiculously precocious and adorable. That’s why you’re with Lovee. He’s a constant nightclub flashback. Make him fetch you a Shirley Temple right now. With lots and lots of extra cherries.
Oh how I loved Engelbert Humperdinck and Neil Diamond and their music. The song did bring back memories. Loved reading your memories.
Oh Looooooooveeeeeee 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/15/2013 9:15:52 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
ps: The best kind of cheezewhiz right?
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/15/2013 9:15:52 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I am so glad!! I thought I had scared everyone off with dear ole
Engelbert, hahahahaa ;)))
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/15/2013 10:10:51 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Ah, I am in love with Engelbert, too – Have been for years and years. Never been a better singer or a more handsome man. He has fans all over the world and still does 90 or so concerts every year. Absolutely fabulous shows and absolutely talented and fabulous man!!!
Shirley,
Lovee was telling me today about how crrrrazy women get at his concerts,
fun fun!!!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/15/2013 11:06:35 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Some friends of my parents were in a band so when I was little I used to go with them to various community halls and venues to hear the band play. There were always so many adults (there may have been younger people, but to me they all seemed like adults), but I would still have a good time and dance with my dad. Then as the night would wear on I would get sleepy and drift off in some corner to the sounds of party noise. To this day the sounds of groups of people having conversations I am not really a part of, and music in the background, makes me feel so sleepy and peaceful. I wish I just had a recording of that kind of noise to send me off every night!
totally Alia, you totally get what I mean!!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/15/2013 1:04:03 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
OmGosh, Blasts from My Past! In my youngster years my grandparents treated me to dinner out and they ordered me Shirley temples!!!I thought I was soooo special! They also listened to Inky as I referred to him cause I always giggled when I heard his name mentioned and the fact that I couldn’t quit say his name. Grams told me as I got older that when I was little I had a big old crush on Robert Goulet! Got any of his oldies in your record collections?
So I’ve never heard of this guy till now, but when I saw his last name all I could think of was Humperdinck from The Princess Bride…my family loves that movie 🙂
Oh ya!! Humperdinck!!!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/15/2013 6:02:08 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I loved his music back in the “day”. Him and Tom Jones. But I also loved the Beatles, The Stones, etc, etc.
Your memories made me think of the black and white movies I love to watch with everyone dressed up and seated at tables with a table cloth, listening to bands. Thanks for sharing.
perfect ending to a beautiful Valentine’s Day. He was great. Thanks for your note. Diane
It’s so funny! As I never did swoon over Tom Jones, or Engelbert Humperdinck, even though I was an older teen when their songs came out. I can remember it being said that the ladies in audiences would throw their motel room keys on the stage when either of those singers performed in Las Vegas. I preferred the Beach Boys and the Beatles to be sure!
Thanks for the memories…
It was a gorgeous 71 degrees here in the central CA valley today…
love and hugs,
Miss Teresa
Renee, it was a lot like that. Only that the one place we used to go
to, was called The Cavern, and it was built into the side of a rock
mountain. Babaloooooo 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/15/2013 7:54:03 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
ps: Actually, La Caverna….
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/15/2013 7:54:03 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Miss Teresa,
My parents LOOOOVE the Beatles etc. They are very hip
😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/15/2013 8:20:00 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
ps: I love the cheezewhiz factor about Engelbert 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/15/2013 8:20:00 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
And to think he actually changed his name TO Engelbert Humperdinck?! Did you know that?
I went to one of his concerts with my Mom once many moons ago…geez, I must’ve been 16 or 17….yep, what seemed like old ladies to me at the time were throwin’ their panties up on stage….haha!
Good times ;P
Hahaha. Oh girl, 70’s radio had the most amazing songs and I love most of those singers/performers that you mentioned, especially Neil Diamond. I was talking about this at work the other day and my co-workers were like “Ewwww, I can’t stand Neil Diamond!” Oh well, more for the rest of us, and I don’t mind being a nerd – they just don’t know what good music is. LOL —> I can safely say this too because I’m cool with my “un-coolness”. People who don’t like a wide variety of art, songs, books, etc. — they are missing out on the full spectrum of life. Their loss.
Also, SHIRLEY TEMPLE DRINKS – wow, yes. My dad used to get me those at restaurants. I felt so special. Haha.
Throw in a little Wayne Newton and you have quite a stew here. I went to one of his concerts under protest and actually it was an amazing show. Oh my goodness, the women adored him. Those were the days ! Thanks for the memories. Teehee…I was a Tom Jones fan.
My parents were big fans of Engelbert Humperdinck! You were the first person I know, that has ever mentioned him! This brought back fun memories from childhood 🙂
Yes yes, I heard about that sort of madness, hahahahaaa 😉 I cant
imagine throwing mine at anyone, tee hee 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/15/2013 11:55:48 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I see that I’m not the only one who had flashbacks of their childhood after reading your post. I had to chuckle….you went to dinner clubs….my parents brought me to corner bars and my mom had a thing for Tom Jones 😉 Music was ever present in my childhood. My dad would moonlight at night, playing piano bars. I remember he’d get dressed up in a tuxedo just as my mom would be tucking me in for the night. Stardust was always first on his play list….and to this day, it remains my favorite tune. Call me sentimental. Hope all is well with you.
You nailed it about those dark supper clubs, the shirley temples GOSH!! and those nail heads (haha…how awful!) the smoke (cough cough) and I also thought his name was so weird!
EWWWW that sweaty him with the thick sideburns and necklace in his chest hair…just EWWW!!!
Can’t quit watching this.
He’s so SWEATY.
And bizarrely confident.
WHO are all those PEOPLE in the audience?
Hee hee hee! While Engelbert didn’t quite do it for me . . . I have to admit Neil Diamond did! Love his voice and his songs. 🙂 I never made it to one of his concerts back in the day, but I did get to one of his concerts this past August and it was great! NIce window into one of your childhood memories! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
OOOOH! Vanessa, what memories this brought back. Englebert did a summer season in my home town in the 60s. We met at my hairdresser’s and well, one thing led to another, and let’s just say it was a great summer.I was about 22 at the time! By the way, everyone thinks his real name is Gerry Dorsey, in fact it’s Arnold! (Not very rock and roll lol) He took his stage name from the German opera comoposer (Hansel and Gretal, etc) Last year, at the age of 76 my old squeeze represented the UK in the Eurovision Song contest. He didn’t win, but by golly, he can still hit all the right notes.
Sherrill, as a kid Engelbert was so strange to me. But that song… I
love that song done by almost anyone… even instrumental jazz. Also,
asa kid I thought Neil Diamond was my dad. To me they looked alike,
and I always thought it was my dad. The day I found out it wasnt I was
crushed 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/17/2013 10:32:58 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Lesley!!!!! WHAT A TALE!! Oh my!!!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/18/2013 5:49:00 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Hi Vanessa, I haven’t always been an elderly lady, and I’ve had quite a lot of ‘adventures’ in my lifetime…and with any luck there will be many more. lol.
Oh, Lesley, I am so certain there will be more.
I havent had such a tale in my life ever!! 😉
I love it!!
Loved your post. I work in Florida at an entertainemtn venue and Englebert performed just a few weeks ago….and he’s still got it!!! He sounded great and the ladies just LOVED him. We thought one gal was going to tear her clothes off! It was a hoot. I’m probably your father’s age (54) so all the music he loves…I love. Keep the beautiful posts coming…I just discovered you last month!!
Hee! Hee! ‘The cheezewhiz factor of Englebert…’ You make me laugh, you make tears of joy run down my face…
I truly loved the Owl City ‘Fireflies’ song especially the part about having so many dreams…What an awesome ‘sound’ they have with their music! Yeah! I can go for that style too!
Hope you are doing well…this winter has been a bummer as far as health goes for me too. Chills for five days, feeling like I could die…Yuk! But…I have a positive attitude and I think that makes all the difference in the world so I keep plodding along. I am getting one major accomplishment done each day…so that is a start!
I have food allergies that I really need to take notice of and stay away from.
You know how that is!
hugs and love
Miss Teresa
Too funny my dad used to sing Engelbert to my mama. Doesn’t he just have the funniest name hehe?
I used to love rummaging through my mom’s records! She was a HUGE fan of Elvis Presley, the Everley Brothers, Peter Paul and Mary, the Mamas and the Papas, and the Beatles (early stuff only). I had a lot of fun playing her music on my record player. She never owned any Engelbert, though!