James Last

James Last (1929 – 2015), widely known as the ‘King of Happy Sound’, was a German composer and bandleader who earned global fame for orchestral arrangements. Last's career spanned over five decades, during which he revolutionised the easy-listening genre with his upbeat, melodic ‘happy music’ style. He often covered popular songs — ranging from classical pieces to contemporary pop hits.  

Last’s distinctive approach to music made him a household name, particularly in Europe and the UK, where his albums achieved significant chart success. His 1967 album ‘This Is James Last’ peaked at number six on the UK Albums Chart and stayed there for 48 weeks, while ‘Last the Whole Night Long’ reached number 2 in 1979 and later earned 2× Platinum certification. In Germany, his album ‘Traum was Schones’ reached number one in 1979.  

James’ live performances captivated audiences worldwide, often encouraging attendees to dance and sing along. The bandleader received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the Echo Award for Lifetime Achievement and the German Music Award.