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.
Ghostbusters
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If there's something strange in you neighborhood,
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
If there's something weird and it don't look good,
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
I ain't afraid of no ghost.
I ain't afraid of no ghost.
If you're seeing things running through your head,
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
An invisible man sleeping in your bed,
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
I ain't afraid of no ghost.
I ain't afraid of no ghost.
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
If you're all alone, pick up the phone and call
the professional paranormal investigators known as the Ghostbusters. James Last's song "Ghostbusters" is inspired by the pop culture phenomenon of the 1984 film of the same name. The lyrics repeatedly ask the question, "Who you gonna call?" which became the film's iconic catchphrase. The original song is written by Ray Parker Jr., but James Last's instrumental version features the memorable melody with a big band sound, complete with trumpets, saxophones, and drums.
The lyrics of the song are simple and repetitive, but they effectively capture the ghost-catching spirit of the film. The first stanza sets the scene, highlighting the strange and unusual things happening in the neighborhood. The second stanza lists a few specific examples of haunting experiences that might warrant the attention of the Ghostbusters. The refrain of the song highlights the bravery and fearlessness that one would need to face the supernatural creatures.
Overall, James Last's instrumental version of "Ghostbusters" is a fun and exciting tribute to the beloved movie. The energetic and catchy tune can get anyone's toes tapping and put a smile on their face. The song holds a special place in pop culture history as an anthem for the Ghostbusters franchise.
Line by Line Meaning
Ghostbusters!
The title of the song and a call to action to those who might need help with paranormal activity.
If there's something strange in you neighborhood,
If anything odd or unnatural is happening in your location,
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
A question that prompts the listener to call the Ghostbusters.
If there's something weird and it don't look good,
If anything eerie or suspicious is going on that could be harmful,
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
The same question asked earlier to encourage the listener to call the Ghostbusters.
I ain't afraid of no ghost.
The singer is expressing a sense of bravery and lack of fear towards ghosts.
If you're seeing things running through your head,
If there are visions or ideas that may be related to paranormal activity in your psyche,
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
The Ghostbusters are being suggested as a solution to this problem.
An invisible man sleeping in your bed,
A specific example of a potential paranormal situation: a man who cannot be seen resting in someone's sleeping area.
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
The Ghostbusters are once again suggested as the desired response.
I ain't afraid of no ghost.
Repetition of the earlier sentiment about the singer's lack of fear for ghosts.
I ain't afraid of no ghost.
Reiteration of the prior statement with emphasis.
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
The song concludes with one final prompt to call the Ghostbusters for paranormal assistance.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ray Parker Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
rafael jesus castellanos mavares
Love the audience reaction, not only they respond "ghostbusters" but they also clap along, Made me enjoy the performance even more!
CH Heinrich
Its like an audience singing "gotta catch em all" when it pöayed by orchestra, which haopened
Jon Earnest
This is the coolest conductor I've ever seen. Talented and Down To Earth, a great combo!
oceanhunterjg
i love it when huge symphonies play these types of songs
mattbonner12
I like how he got the audience involved when the crowd does that its tons of fun for the audience and the performers.
Mickwhitefire28
Oh my God! This conductor is like a mix of Robin Williams, Charles Martinet, and Collin Mochrie! And it's glorious!
Andres Gamer
i agree!
SuperBaconPants
And Bill Murray coincidentally
Sharp Shot EFX
And a little Christopher Lloyd.
Taline Banks
I need the sheet music for this now.