May God bless you and your...
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Bruno Massey
August 03, 2025 | Sainte-therese, QC
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James Last
1929 - 2015 (Age 86)
About
AGE
86
Obituary
BERLIN (AP) - Big band leader James Last, whose style of light orchestral entertainment appealed to a wide audience in his native Germany and abroad, has died. He was 86.
Last died Tuesday at his home in Palm Beach, Florida, after a "short, serious illness," his management company said.
"He was an outstanding and important artist who lived for music and who wrote music history," Semmel Concerts said in a statement posted on its website Wednesday.
Born Hans Last in the north German city of Bremen in 1929, he decided to pursue a musical career in 1943, at a time when Nazi Germany was nearing total defeat. After World War II, Last played double bass in several orchestras before signing his first record deal with Polydor in 1964.
Known to his friends as "Hansi," he pioneered what became known as "Happy Sound" - crowd-pleasing renditions of swing, jazz and pop songs that Last had either rearranged or composed himself. Unusually for a German musician, Last was particularly popular in Britain and played one of his final concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall in April.
In the course of more than 50 years, Last produced over 100 records, including many chart hits. "The Lonely Shepherd," which Last composed for the pan flute in 1977, featured in Quentin Tarantino's film "Kill Bill: Vol. 1."
Semmel Concerts said a public memorial service would take place in Hamburg, Germany, in the coming weeks.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Guest Book
GOD has richly blessed him. He will maintain his career to deliver his music to GOD in heaven. I became a fan and followed him in the 80s. I have used his music at funeral services and fully feel the effects and emotions of the musics. May he RIEP. GOD bless Last.
Joshua Peki
September 07, 2024 | Lae | Significant_other
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In the loving memory of a wonderful happy music that gave to me for all my life time till you gone, RIP.
Preecha Poonaram
July 13, 2021
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El caballero de la música como siempre se le llamaba, brillará de por vida en la mente de quienes si saben de la buena música. Descansa en paz querido Hansi
March 01, 2021
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Laura and Nigel Lee
Heartfelt condolence to the Last family. I am 48 years old and I have been listening to James Last since I was about 4 years old.
My favorite album is Christmas Dancing almost every track on that album brings tears to my eyes. My daughter Laura loves Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star, the first track on Side 2 as well the last track makes me cry.
Thank You Mr.Last for your beautiful and emotional music.
You are conducting your orchestra in the heavens as we speak.
Nigel Lee
June 28, 2017 | Trindad West Indies
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I was just a teenager when I started out listening to your music...now I am over 60, and you was musical companion all those years...and you will continue to be it even if you are not here!
Anders
February 01, 2017 | Sweden
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Valenda Newell
November 26, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN
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A fan always and the Royal Albert Hall concerts
I will never forget. Wonderful times. RIP
Jim MITCHELL
SITTINGBOURNE, UK
Jim MITCHELL
February 29, 2016 | SITTINGBOURNE, UK, AL
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As a school boy I heard his music on the Radio, my passion for his music grew. cassettes,Lps,& Dvds etc.,James Last's Music is unique. Music World lost a great entertainer.James your music will last for ever.
Tissa Pathiratna, Sydney, Australia
Tissa pathiratna
January 02, 2016 | Sydney. Australia
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