Father and Son
- Details
- Category: Vegas Updates
- Published on Friday, 13 March 2026 23:53
- Written by Bobbie Katz
It’s definitely an anomaly when a father and son are going through new stages of their careers at the same time and in the same place, namely Las Vegas.
In this case, both legendary international superstar Engelbert Humperdinck (born Arnold George Dorsey) and his up-and-coming singer/songwriter son, Bradley Dorsey, will each be seen in a new light, namely the spotlight, when Engelbert steps onto the stage at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino April 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. for the first time in many years and Bradley performs a 1 p.m. afternoon show on the stage of The Composers Room on April 18 for the first time.
For the rising star, that makes for a very special occasion – the opportunity to showcase his myriad of natural talents combined with the wonderful things he learned from his father. And you just don’t know who might show up for Bradley’s performance to see it for himself.
“Over the years, having the opportunity to work on the road with my dad, I watched a lot of his shows,” Bradley explains. “I watched his timing, his unique breathing, and his interactions with his band and his audiences. I sang along with him from the sidelines. Being around him my whole life was an integral indoctrination into singing for me. He has always presented himself in the best way possible.”
“I listen to his songs and warm up to them so I know what my ear is supposed to hear when I’m singing,” he continues. “I also take a singing lesson once a month. But I went into the studio and I wrote an album of 13 solid songs, all familiar sounds such as country, blues, rock ‘n roll and more, some of which I’ll perform in my show along with tunes from my first CD, ‘I’ve Got Dreams,’ and a few of my Dad’s songs. I wrote every word and note of the new album. I was sitting at the table with my Dad over Christmas and told him that I would write a song for him right there in 30 minutes. When I got done, he had tears in his eyes and said he would sing it.”
With his writing being from his soul, Bradley feels connected to every song he writes. He notes that every song is a piece of the story of his life. He also reveals that singing is exciting for him and that if an opportunity to perform arises, he jumps at it because he has to go for it 100 percent.
Although he has sung with his father on stage, the most recent being performing with him on the song “Father and Son” from one of Engelbert’s albums, his desire now is to have the opportunity to cultivate his own audiences and the things that go with it. He says that a lot of times he doesn’t have the opportunity to rehearse with a band because he has to hire session players on the spot or to pick up a band in different areas in which he performs and roll with the punches.
“Through the lessons I take once a month, I’m learning how to relax my body, head, and throat without putting a strain on my vocals,” he relates. “There is definitely a lot to be learned. I’ve learned a lot from one particular teacher as far as how to hit a note. I took a lot for granted before. The lessons have been very helpful in creating better stability and understanding. To learn from someone else is a gift.”
Of course, Bradley has his own coach right on the home front, one who knows him and can give him important pointers.
“My dad is very much a mentor,” he says. “I am very responsive to all he suggests. The best information you can get is from someone with a 60-year career. What he says is pretty much gold to me. He knows me and how to make my performances better. I’m excited to have his knowledge and input into everything I do. But he also gives me a free reign and opportunity to express myself as an artist and not stifle what is natural to me. He lets my creativity flourish at my own pace.”
“He likes to give me tips on how to perform physically,” he adds. “I latch on to every little tidbit. He has always told me that the honesty of a performance is in the performer’s eyes. That’s why he is so successful – it’s all about that honesty and the connection with the audience. He also always said that it’s important to be real with yourself and that you are there to take people away from their regular lives for an hour and a half. He loves watching other performers but he learned not to take himself so seriously from Elvis and Dean Martin. He always tells me that if you’re having fun up there, the audience will have fun. In other words, give 100 percent and have fun doing it.”
It doesn’t get any better than that.