Last learned how to play piano as child, switching to bass as a teenager. He joined Hans-Gunther Oesterreich's Radio Bremen Dance Orchestra in 1946, when he was 17 years old. In 1948, he became the leader of the Becker-Last Ensemble, which performed for seven years. During that time, he was voted as the best bassist in the country by a German jazz poll for three consecutive years, from 1950-1952. After the disbandment of the Becker-Last Ensemble, he became the in-house arranger for Polydor Records, as well as for a number of European radio stations. For the next decade, he helped arrange hits for artists like Helmut Zacharias and Caterina Valente.
Last released his first album "Non-Stop Dancing" in 1965. The record of brief renditions of popular songs, all tied together by an insistent dance beat and joyous crowd noises. It was a hit and helped make him a major European star. Over the next four decades, Last has released over 190 records, including several more volumes of Non-Stop Dancing. On these records, he varies his formula by adding different songs from different countries and genres, as well as guest performers like Richard Clayderman and Astrud Gilberto.
Though his concerts and albums are consistently successful — especially in England, where he had 52 hit albums between 1967-1986, which made him second to Elvis Presley in terms of number of charting records — he has only had two hit singles with "The Seduction," the theme from American Gigolo (1980) and Biscaya from the album "Biscaya".
He has won numerous polls and prizes, for example Billboard magazine's "Star of the year" trophy in 1976, and has been honored for his lifework with the German ECHO prize in 1994.
The song "The Lonely Shepherd", written by Last and performed by Gheorghe Zamfir and the James Last Orchestra, was featured in the soundtrack to Quentin Tarantino's film "Kill Bill Vol. 1" (2003).
Personally, he divides his time between Florida and Germany. He gives much credit to his wife and son, who helps with the music.
Biscaya
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
As the lyrics are instrumental, it is difficult to provide a poetic interpretation. However, the melody of Moon River by James Last is gentle and nostalgic, evoking feelings of longing and melancholy. The soothing saxophone and the slow-paced rhythm create a dreamy atmosphere that transports the listener to a peaceful state of mind.
The song Moon River, which was originally composed by Henry Mancini for the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's, was arranged by James Last in his unique style. His version emphasizes the sentimental aspects of the song, enhancing the theme of searching for happiness and finding solace in memories. The quiet notes symbolize the introspective moments of contemplation that are often necessary to heal and move on.
Overall, James Last's rendition of Moon River is a beautiful, soulful interpretation of a classic tune. It offers a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and invites the listener to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
Contributed by Peyton O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@311jxnn
Kriege bei dem Lied immer wieder Tränen in den Augen. Das läuft auf Juist immer, wenn das Schiff abfährt und ich verbinde damit einfach die Emotion, die ich hatte als ich nach 20 Jahren weggenzogen bin und wusste, dass ich es so gut wie nie wieder hören werde, weil ich kaum die Möglichkeit habe mal zurück zu fahren. Dieses Lied ist einfach Heimat für mich
@user-mp4wj8fd5h
Wir Kinder der 70er Jahren hatten doch eine tolle Kindheit.. Unsere Eltern werden immer im Herzen sein und werden sie eines Tages wiedersehen.❤❤❤❤❤❤
@jensbohlen9282
Ein Gänsehautlied. Eins was an Kindheit erinnert und Sorglosigkeit. Schade das uns diese sorglos Zeiten genommen wurden.
@gesinebenyaich4
☝️☝️👍👍👍🙈
@alizschaik
Auf diese lied haben wir im Disco getanzt super❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@kerstinberlin1856
Das war der Cousin von meinem Vater. Er liebte es so,so sehr. Er spielte es nach auf seinem Akkordeon mit Tränen in den Augen. Es wird mich immer an Ihn erinnern mit meinen eigenen Tränen in den Augen…gefangen in Stille und dem innerem Lärm. Danke das ich ein Teil von Dir bin. Liebe Dich für Immer
@MW-tt3fy
Das tut so gut in diesen verrückten Zeiten
@xtravaganza71
Es gibt nur sehr wenige Melodien die mich so stark an meine Kindheit erinnern. 1983 im VW Käfer von Hamburg nach Rimini, Kartoffelsalat und Frikadellen, und im alten Blaupunkt Autoradio lief dieses Lied. Eine tolle und sorglose Zeit 🥲😉
@be-ce-em9206
Geht mir genauso Baujahr 81
@gernottimm4549
Dann gib Dir mal Wolkenreise von Eroc. Nächster emotionaler Flashback garantiert
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Xpgk4j0OOGM