Introduction
At the end of 1969, fans of classic pop music were treated to an extraordinary convergence: two of the era’s most powerful vocalists — Engelbert Humperdinck and Tom Jones — appearing together on Humperdinck’s variety-show pilot. The special, known as “Engelbert Humperdinck meets Tom Jones! (1969),” has since become legendary among old-school music lovers.
In that show, the duo delivered a playful and ambitious set: each singer swapped roles — Humperdinck began with “My Way,” while Jones launched into his signature sound with “It’s Not Unusual.” After a bit of light banter, the roles reversed: Jones took on “My Way,” then unexpectedly transitioned into Humperdinck’s hit “The Last Waltz.” The climax came when both artists joined voices for a duet, delivering “My Way” together before parting with a handshake and smiles — a symbolic handshake between two stars..
The show’s highlight, however, was their joint rendition of Proud Mary — originally by Creedence Clearwater Revival — where Humperdinck’s smooth croon blended with Jones’s bold timbre, creating a version that felt both fresh and evocative..
This 1969 meeting was more than a novelty: it symbolized mutual respect between two former protégés of the same manager and captured a rare moment of camaraderie, collaboration, and sheer vocal power. Although both men would continue vastly different career paths, this episode remains a treasured snapshot of their shared era — a time when music legends could meet, swap songs, and remind the world what showmanship and voice could do together.