“Release Me” – The Song That Saved Engelbert Humperdinck (But Almost Never Happened)
In 1967, Engelbert Humperdinck became an overnight sensation with the emotional ballad “Release Me.” The song’s pleading tone and heartfelt delivery resonated with millions – but few know that Humperdinck initially didn’t want to sing it. Even more surprisingly, another major artist had already rejected the song before it came to him.
✦ A song that almost belonged to someone else
“Release Me” wasn’t new. It had been around since the 1940s and had already been recorded by multiple artists. But the 1967 version, with Engelbert’s rich voice and dramatic orchestration, gave it a second life.
Insiders revealed that the song had been offered to other singers, but most turned it down, calling it “too outdated” or “too sentimental.” Only then did it land in Engelbert’s hands — and even he was unsure. He reportedly recorded it as a “filler track,” never imagining it would become his signature hit.
✦ A phenomenon no one expected
Once released, “Release Me” became an unstoppable force. It hit number one on the UK charts for six consecutive weeks, famously blocking The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” from taking the top spot — a historic upset.
The single sold over 1 million copies in its first week, becoming the best-selling UK single of 1967 and launching Engelbert into global stardom.
✦ A blessing and a burden
Despite its success, Humperdinck later confessed feeling somewhat trapped by the song’s legacy. It pigeonholed him into the role of a ballad singer, when he longed to explore other genres. “I love the song, but sometimes I wish I could release myself from it,” he once joked.
✦ A timeless legacy
Regardless of his mixed feelings, there’s no denying “Release Me” remains a cornerstone of Humperdinck’s career and one of the greatest love-lost songs of the 20th century. It’s still played worldwide, featured in countless films, and remembered by millions as the ultimate anthem of letting go.