Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hospital Memories

Engelbert Humperdinck recently shared memories from his time at a sanatorium in 1961. The British singer, now 90, spoke about his experiences on “The Engelbert Humperdinck Show” podcast.

In 1961, Humperdinck was diagnosed with tuberculosis and sent to Leicester’s Groby Road Hospital Sanatorium. He recalled the strict treatment regime that required him to stay on his back for about eight weeks, avoiding any exertion. Every morning, he received a painful injection.

There was one nurse who seemed to dislike me because the injection she gave was very painful, Humperdinck recounted. He tried to request a different nurse, but his plea was ignored.

Humperdinck decided to play a trick on the nurse. He enlisted the help of a fellow patient, acquired some rope, and tied the nurse to a bed. When the doctor came, he ignored the situation.

Afterward, Humperdinck refused further injections from her. He said, ‘I don’t want her to give me [the injection],’ and requested the assistance of a male nurse.

Humperdinck’s health scare began with a coughing fit during a Manchester concert. Initially diagnosed with a minor throat infection, his mother’s insistence on an X-ray led to discovering his tuberculosis. Prompt hospital admission followed the test.

During his recovery, Humperdinck’s mother revealed that a priest had given him last rites, unaware that he was near death.

Born Arnold George Dorsey, Humperdinck’s musical career took off in 1967 with “Release Me.” He has since sold over 140 million records, earning several Grammy nominations and a Golden Globe.