Introduction:
“I’m Glad I Danced with You” is a heartfelt duet performed by Engelbert Humperdinck alongside his granddaughter Olivia. Featured on his 2017 album The Man I Want to Be, this song holds special significance in Humperdinck’s personal life. The album itself is a tribute to his wife, Patricia, who has been battling Alzheimer’s disease, making it a deeply emotional project for him. Written by Humperdinck’s daughter, Louise Sarah Dorsey, and her husband, Tony Taliaferro, the song reflects on the cherished memories Humperdinck and Patricia shared from the time they met as teenagers at a dance hall.
At just nine years old during the recording, Olivia’s vocals on this duet brought an extra layer of tenderness to the track, symbolizing the passing of love and memories through generations. Humperdinck has spoken about how emotional it was to record with his granddaughter, especially given the personal nature of the song’s subject. In interviews, he has expressed how this song touches on his lifelong love for Patricia, recalling the moment he first danced with her when she was 17 and how they’ve been together ever since.
The song is an important piece of the album, which includes other songs that mix contemporary elements, such as covers of Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars hits, but “I’m Glad I Danced with You” stands out for its deeply personal context. The combination of family involvement and the song’s nostalgic, loving message resonates with listeners, especially those familiar with Humperdinck’s enduring love story with Patricia. This track, much like the entire album, is a celebration of enduring love and the treasured moments that define a lifetime together.