He played saxophone and piano in big bands and small combos and sang in vocal groups during high school, college, and his military service.

[5] During the ten years he spent at Capitol, he was instrumental in the signing of, among others, The Beach Boys,[6] The Lettermen,[7] Bob Segar, Joe South, The Classics IV, Bobbie Gentry, Grand Funk Railroad and Dorsey Burnette.

Artists released on the MGM South label included Sami Jo, Classics IV, Tommy Roe, and Billy Joe Royal.

Engemann also partnered with his brother, Bob Engemann, and his nephew, John Hess, to found the Independent Recorders Studios in Studio City, Los Angeles, which was sold in 1977 to record producer Freddie Perren and his wife, Christine Perren.

[9][10] Since 2010, Engemann has managed the career of radio and television host and broadcaster Larry King and others.