When Pop Meets Passion: The Strange Tension Between John Lennon and Engelbert Humperdinck
In the swinging 60s, the music scene was dominated by legends—but not all legends got along. One of the more curious rivalries, or at least one-sided tensions, came between John Lennon, the revolutionary voice of The Beatles, and Engelbert Humperdinck, the smooth-voiced crooner with a velvet jacket and a global fanbase.
The flashpoint? In 1967, Engelbert’s version of “Release Me” climbed to No.1 on the UK Singles Chart, denying the Beatles’ double A-side “Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever” the top spot. It was the first time a Beatles single hadn’t hit No.1 since 1963.
Lennon reportedly took it hard.
In some radio interviews and offhand remarks, Lennon appeared dismissive of Engelbert’s style—labeling it “old-fashioned,” “overproduced,” or simply “not real music.” According to those who worked closely with him, he even refused to say Engelbert’s name at times, treating it with a kind of mockery.
It wasn’t just personal—it was cultural. The Beatles represented the experimental, psychedelic, and rebellious shift in pop music. Engelbert, with his romantic ballads and traditional showmanship, was considered by some as part of the “establishment” the Beatles were rebelling against.
But what’s striking is how Engelbert himself handled the perceived animosity. Throughout his career, he never said a negative word about Lennon. In fact, in multiple interviews decades later, Engelbert acknowledged Lennon’s genius and paid tribute to The Beatles’ impact on music.
So was this a feud? Not exactly.
More likely, it was a moment of competitive frustration. The Beatles were used to being unbeatable. To be dethroned—by a love ballad, no less—may have bruised Lennon’s ego. And while the public devoured both records, Lennon’s pride couldn’t quite digest the loss.
Interestingly, history has been kind to both men. Lennon is remembered as a visionary, a rebel with a poetic soul. Engelbert is remembered as the voice of romance, a symbol of timeless elegance. They played different games on the same field—and both won in their own way.
And perhaps, behind Lennon’s silence, there was a hidden admiration. After all, few artists could touch the hearts of millions like Engelbert did—with nothing more than a song, a smile, and a perfectly timed vibrato.