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.
Goodbye Goodbye Goodbye
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's why I'll always be around
You are the apple of my eye
Forever you'll stay in my heart
I feel like this is the beginning
Though I've loved you for a million years
And if I thought our love was ending
You are the sunshine of my life
That's why I'll always stay around
You are the apple of my eye
Forever you'll stay in my heart
You must have known that I was lonely
Because you came to my rescue
And I know that this must be heaven
How could so much love be inside of you?
You are the sunshine of my life, yeah
That's why I'll always stay around
You are the apple of my eye
Forever you'll stay in my heart
Love has joined us
Love has joined us
Let's think sweet love
In the song "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life," James Last declares his love for someone special in his life. He begins the song by proclaiming that the person he loves is the sunshine of his life and the apple of his eye. This shows how much this person means to him and how he cannot imagine his life without their presence. He also mentions that he will always stay around for this person, indicating his commitment and devotion to them.
He then goes on to say that even though he has loved this person for a million years (figuratively), it still feels like the beginning of their relationship, illustrating how their love is timeless and enduring. He further emphasizes the strength of his love by saying that he would drown in his own tears if he thought their love was ending, demonstrating just how much this person means to him.
Overall, the song is a testament to the power of love, and how important it is to have someone special in our lives that makes us feel like the sun is shining every day. It is a beautiful reminder of the joy and wonder that comes with finding that one special person who we can love and cherish forever.
Line by Line Meaning
You are the sunshine of my life
You are the source of joy and happiness in my life
That's why I'll always be around
I will always stay close to you and be there for you
You are the apple of my eye
You are the most precious thing to me
Forever you'll stay in my heart
You will always have a special place in my heart
I feel like this is the beginning
I feel like our love is just beginning to blossom
Though I've loved you for a million years
Even though I have loved you for a very long time
And if I thought our love was ending
If I ever thought our love was coming to an end
I'd find myself drowning in my own tears
I would be overwhelmed with sadness and heartbreak
You must have known that I was lonely
You must have sensed that I was feeling lonely
Because you came to my rescue
You came to my aid and helped me through my loneliness
And I know that this must be heaven
I feel that being with you is like being in heaven
How could so much love be inside of you?
I am amazed by the amount of love and affection you have to offer
Love has joined us
Our love has brought us together
Let's think sweet love
Let's cherish our love and enjoy every moment together
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Stevie Wonder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@keithcookson9597
A professional dancer since the late 60`s, I have been consistently inspired by his music. I saw the band on their first visit to the UK and have listened ever since. Rest in peace, few people have brought such pleasure to so many!!
@allenbarnett7976
Keith Cookson A BIG THANK YOU JAMES YOU HAVE BROUGHT A LOT OF HAPPY MUSIC TO A VERY LOT OF FOLK R I P From Mr & Mrs Barnett FROM THE U K WE WILL MISS YOU AND THE BAND
@HerLadyshipsTea
And today it was that time. RIP Thank you for all the music - it will live on forever
@zekethetruckdriver
This beautiful music is to be played at my funeral thank James Last for such inspirational music James is truly missed.
@lynlewis1101
So so beautiful.What a God given gift to be able to make such a sound.
@psvsia5555
Hauntingly sad and beautiful at the same time. James and his music will never die, but will continue to live on in our hearts!
@fredpickett6219
R.I.P. Mr Last. Thanks for giging us some of the best music We ever had.
@peterlynch7384
James Last, Hansi, we love so many of your songs, God bless you for entertaining people all over the World, you and your music will be with us a long, long time !!
@stewartgellatly8073
The passing of James Last and his highly talented players left a void in the world of music. We are the less without them. They were something else, par excellence.
@musicray65
One Fantastic Orchestra..James Last is # 1..and this song is 'super'..thanks for the post. Raymond U.S.A. Pennsylvania