“Release Me,” a ballad of heartbreak and longing, became Engelbert Humperdinck’s signature song and propelled him to international stardom in 1967. Humperdinck, born Arnold George Dorsey in India and later raised in Leicester, England, was a relatively unknown performer until “Release Me” catapulted him to the forefront of the British music scene. Prior to his breakthrough, he had been performing under the name Gerry Dorsey, but a change of management and a rebranding ushered in the era of the charismatic and velvety-voiced Engelbert Humperdinck.
The song itself, originally released in 1949 by Eddie Miller, speaks of a desperate plea for freedom from a love that has died. The narrator implores their lover to “release” them, acknowledging the pain they both endure but asserting the impossibility of continuing the relationship. Humperdinck’s deeply emotive rendition, with its soaring vocals and lush orchestration, resonated deeply with listeners.
“Release Me” was a massive commercial success. It famously kept The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane” off the number one spot in the UK charts, spending six weeks at the top and preventing The Beatles from achieving their 13th consecutive chart-topper. The single sold over a million copies in the UK alone and went on to become a global hit, charting highly in the US and other countries. Humperdinck’s version solidified his status as a romantic balladeer and launched a long and successful career, earning him numerous accolades and establishing him as a prominent figure in popular music.
The song continues to evoke strong emotions in listeners, with many praising its raw honesty and Humperdinck’s powerful performance. It remains a staple on easy listening stations and is often cited as one of the greatest love songs of all time, cementing its place in music history and demonstrating the enduring power of a well-crafted ballad delivered with genuine feeling.
