At the Fox Theater in Riverside, California on June 15, 2025, legendary crooner Engelbert Humperdinck delivered a soul-stirring performance of If You Don’t Know Me By Now that left the entire audience in silence and awe. At 89 years old, Engelbert proved once again that true emotion knows no age.
🎼 The Song’s Origins
If You Don’t Know Me By Now was written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, originally performed by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in 1972. The song rose to global fame again in 1989 with Simply Red’s hauntingly beautiful version. It’s a song about frustration in love – about waiting for someone to truly understand your heart before it’s too late.
🎤 Engelbert’s Unique Touch
Although he didn’t write the song, Engelbert Humperdinck made it completely his own. His voice, filled with sincerity and emotional depth, carried every word like a personal confession. On that night in Riverside, he wasn’t just singing – he was telling a story, perhaps even reliving one.
💬 Audience Reactions
Many attendees described the performance as “goosebump-inducing.” Some even shed tears. One fan whispered, “It felt like he was singing directly to someone he lost.” The stage lighting, the stillness in the room, and his measured delivery combined to create a spiritual atmosphere.
💔 A Song With Deeper Meaning
For Engelbert, the song may have taken on new significance following the death of his beloved wife Patricia in 2021. In past interviews, he revealed that love songs now feel like conversations with her – a way of keeping her memory alive through music.
🕊️ Final Thoughts
The Riverside performance of If You Don’t Know Me By Now wasn’t just another concert moment. It was a reminder of how timeless and transcendent Engelbert Humperdinck remains. His voice continues to carry stories of love, longing, and loss – and on that evening, he gave fans a moment they’ll never forget.