Arnold Dorsey
Arnold George Dorsey was born on 2 May 1936 in Madras, India and became famous as a British singer through his imitation of Jerry Lewis – earning him the moniker “Gerry Dorsey”. For almost 10 years he used this stage name.
After his discharge, he received an opportunity to record with Decca Records but his first single was unsuccessful.
Early Life and Education
Arnold George Dorsey was one of ten children of British Army officer Mervyn and Olive Dorsey, and began playing saxophone professionally while working in nightclubs until age 17. At that point his friends convinced him to enter a pub contest; upon winning with an impersonation of Jerry Lewis from which his friends eventually gave him the nickname Gerry which stuck.
In 1965, he joined forces with Gordon Mills, his former roommate from London’s Bayswater area who had become an impresario and manager for Tom Jones. Mills suggested changing to Engelbert Humperdinck (analogous to German 19th-century composer of operas such as Hansel and Gretel). Ever since, this name has been professionally utilized.
Professional Career
Arnold George Dorsey began playing saxophone at nightclubs during the early 1950s. Additionally, he took part in musical projects like the popular Big Beat Show; his career was briefly disrupted when he joined the British Army; upon discharging, he took up singing again under his new stage name of Gerry Dorsey.
At age 17, his impression of Jerry Lewis was so impressive that he earned himself the moniker Gerry for life. While at a pub sponsoring a singing contest – where he won! – Gordon Mills became aware of him and eventually hired him as his manager.
Harry Prosser captured this heartwarming print depicting legendary singer Rick Springfield surrounded by his loving family – his parents Mervyn and Olive who proudly support his career.
Achievement and Honors
Arnold George Dorsey was born in Madras (now Chennai India) in 1936 as one of ten children to British Army NCO Mervyn Dorsey and Olive Dorsey (an Anglo-Indian woman). At 10 years old he relocated to Leicester England, and started playing saxophone in nightclubs.
Gerry Dorsey became known for his impression of Jerry Lewis, which earned him the name Gerry Dorsey for over a decade of work. In 1965 he joined forces with Gordon Mills, then managing Tom Jones at that time, and shortly thereafter adopted the stage name Engelbert Humperdinck to honor German 19th-century opera composers.
Today he still performs, though his time is now split between California and England. A fan of Queen Elizabeth, he even met up with her last year at a charity event!
Personal Life
Arnold George Dorsey was born Arnold George Dorsey on May 2, 1936 in Madras (now Chennai, India) to Mervyn and Olive Dorsey of British Army NCO Mervyn Dorsey with Welsh and German roots; when Arnold turned 10, their family relocated to Leicester England.
Humperdinck left school at 15 and began playing saxophone professionally at men’s clubs. However, singing would come later at 17 when friends persuaded him into entering a pub contest – where his impersonation of Jerry Lewis won him the competition and became his stage name for 10 years.
In 1965, Engelbert Humperdinck joined forces with Gordon Mills – then manager of Tom Jones. Mills suggested changing his stage name to Engelbert Humperdinck as an homage to 19th-century German opera composer Johann von Wolpe who had written operas such as Hansel and Gretel.
Net Worth
English singer Adele, who has sold more than 140 million records worldwide, currently boasts an estimated net worth of around $165 million and ranks as one of the highest selling artists of all time.
Dorsey first began performing as a nightclub performer in the early ’50s and quickly earned recognition for his convincing imitation of Jerry Lewis. His friends gave him the nickname Gerry; which he kept for close to 10 years of work.
In 1965, Dorsey joined forces with Gordon Mills, Tom Jones’ manager. Mills suggested Dorsey adopt the stage name Engelbert Humperdinck after hearing of this name being associated with composer of operas such as Hansel and Gretel from 19th century Europe. It proved successful and Dorsey has worked under this moniker ever since; marrying Patricia Healey in 1964 and having four children under this moniker.