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.
Fröhliche Weihnacht Überall
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
tönet durch die Lüfte froher Schall.
Weihnachtston, Weihnachtsbaum,
Weihnachtsduft in jedem Raum!
"Fröhliche Weihnacht überall!"
tönet durch die Lüfte froher Schall.
Darum alle stimmet in den Jubelton,
von des Vaters Thron.
"Fröhliche Weihnacht überall"...
Licht auf dunklem Wege,
unser Licht bist du;
denn du führst, die dir vertrau’n,
ein zu sel’ger Ruh’.
"Fröhliche Weihnacht überall"...
Was wir ander’n taten,
sei getan für dich,
daß bekennen jeder muß,
Christkind kam für mich.
Text: Heinrich A. H. von Fallersleben Melodie: Aus England, 19 Jh.
The lyrics of James Last's song "Fröhliche Weihnacht Überall" are an ode to the joyous atmosphere of Christmas. The opening lines "Fröhliche Weihnacht überall!" (Merry Christmas everywhere!) set the tone for the song and describe how the sound of Christmas can be heard everywhere. The next line refers to the decorations of the season, mentioning the Christmas tree, the traditional symbol of the holiday, and the scent of Christmas that fills every room.
The second verse continues the celebration of Christmas by encouraging everyone to join in the festive cheer. The verse acknowledges the religious significance of the holiday by referring to the light of the world coming from the Father's throne. The third verse speaks of the role of the Christ child in guiding individuals towards happiness and contentment. The final verse is a call to action, urging people to do good in the name of the Christ child.
Line by Line Meaning
"Fröhliche Weihnacht überall!"
Joyful Christmas everywhere!
tönet durch die Lüfte froher Schall.
Sounds of happiness echoing through the air.
Weihnachtston, Weihnachtsbaum,
Christmas sounds, Christmas tree,
Weihnachtsduft in jedem Raum!
Christmas scent in every room!
Darum alle stimmet in den Jubelton,
So let everyone join in the jubilant tone,
denn es kommt das Licht der Welt
For the light of the world is coming
von des Vaters Thron.
From the Father's throne.
"Fröhliche Weihnacht überall"...
Joyful Christmas everywhere...
Licht auf dunklem Wege,
Light on dark ways,
unser Licht bist du;
You are our light;
denn du führst, die dir vertrau’n,
For you lead those who trust in you,
ein zu sel’ger Ruh’.
To a blessed peace.
"Fröhliche Weihnacht überall"...
Joyful Christmas everywhere...
Was wir ander’n taten,
What we did for others,
sei getan für dich,
Let it be done for you,
daß bekennen jeder muß,
So that everyone must confess,
Christkind kam für mich.
That Christ Child came for me.
Text: Heinrich A. H. von Fallersleben
Text: Heinrich A. H. von Fallersleben
Melodie: Aus England, 19 Jh.
Melody: From England, 19th century.
Contributed by John H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Peck Z
The best Christmas song by James Last!
Colin Love
The album has been our Christmas go to for over 45 years. Had the vinyl originally then went to CD. Not always easy to find it and purchase. I can’t find it on iTunes. Where can I locate it to purchase and download?
Terence Heslop
I've heard it quite often this Christmas but didn't know the title. Now I do. Beautiful German Song."Frohliche Weinacht Uberall " T.Heslop.UK.