The Forgotten Musical Milestone: Engelbert Humperdinck on July 5th
In the grand timeline of music history, some dates quietly carry significant weight — even if they’re not celebrated like album releases or Grammy wins. For legendary crooner Engelbert Humperdinck, July 5, 1969 marks such a moment. On this day, his poignant ballad “The Way It Used to Be” made an appearance on Billboard’s Hits of the World chart — a subtle, yet telling sign of his global impact.
By mid-1969, Engelbert was already an international star. His smooth, velvety voice had carried him through chart-toppers like Release Me, A Man Without Love, and There Goes My Everything. But The Way It Used to Be stood apart. With its wistful lyrics and lush orchestration, the song spoke deeply to a generation experiencing both cultural revolutions and emotional turbulence.
When Billboard acknowledged the song’s success across multiple countries on July 5, it was more than just a chart entry — it was recognition that Engelbert’s voice had become a soundtrack to people’s lives worldwide. In cafés across Europe, in living rooms in Asia, and on radios in North America, The Way It Used to Be resonated as a bittersweet reminder of love and longing.
More than a hit, the song captured the spirit of an era. Amid political protests, the Vietnam War, and shifting social values, Engelbert’s tender delivery offered comfort. His crooning wasn’t just nostalgic — it was necessary. A gentle anchor in a sea of change.
So why is this moment often overlooked?
Perhaps because it wasn’t accompanied by a flashy headline or a televised performance. Perhaps because the date wasn’t tied to a major personal announcement or concert. But in retrospect, July 5, 1969 represented the quiet power of music — the kind that doesn’t scream, but lingers.
Today, The Way It Used to Be remains a beloved classic among those who remember. And for those discovering it anew, it still holds its charm: a reminder of a world both lost and beautifully remembered. Engelbert Humperdinck may have many accolades, but this July 5 milestone deserves a place among them — a subtle triumph of timeless music.