Back in the golden age of the 1960s and 70s, British pop music had two giants: Tom Jones, with his explosive voice, and Engelbert Humperdinck, with his tender ballads. The press loved to frame them as “arch rivals,” but Engelbert has always insisted that he was never jealous of Tom Jones – and his explanation might surprise you.
Rising in the same era
Both men rose to fame in the late 1960s. Jones broke through with the energetic “It’s Not Unusual,” while Humperdinck stole hearts with the sweeping ballad “Release Me.” Their names often appeared side by side on charts and in television specials, which led the media to paint them as competitors.
Public perception of rivalry
The real rivalry came from the outside. Fans and journalists loved to compare their ticket sales, record rankings, and even their appeal to women. Tom was the fiery showman; Engelbert, the suave romantic. But whenever asked if he felt envious, Engelbert replied calmly:
“I’ve never been jealous. Tom is Tom, and I am myself. There’s room in music for both of us.”
The deeper reason
Engelbert believed success was not a zero-sum game. When “Release Me” knocked The Beatles off the UK charts in 1967, it proved his own path was secure. His fans came for romance and tenderness, while Tom offered a different kind of passion. That difference made them complementary, not conflicting.
A quiet friendship
Behind the curtain of rivalry, there was mutual respect. The two singers crossed paths often, congratulating each other at shows. Engelbert once admitted: “When you’re an artist, you understand what the other has been through. I respect Tom and the road he’s traveled.”
A timeless perspective
Now in his 80s, Engelbert still embraces that wisdom. He often says the only thing worth envying is youth – something no one can hold forever. Everything else, he views with gratitude: “I’m happy with my journey. Someone else’s success doesn’t diminish mine.”
It’s a perspective that resonates far beyond music – a reminder that comparison is often a trap, and true contentment lies in embracing your own story.