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.
That Old Black Magic
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Old black magic that you weave so well
Those icy fingers up and down my spine
The same old witch craft when your eyes meet mine
Same old tingle that I feel inside
Then the elevator starts it ride
Down and down I go
Like a leaf caught in a tide
I should stay away but what can I do
I hear your name and I'm a flame
Flame, flame of desire
Only your kiss can put out the fire
Oh you're the lover I have waiting for
Your the mate that fate had me created for
And every time your lips meet mine
Down and down I go
Round and round I go
In a spin, lovin' the spin I'm in
Under the old black magic called love
In a spin lovin' the spin I'm in
Under the old black magic called love
In a spin lovin' the spin I'm in
Under the old black magic called love
I should stay away but what can I do
I hear your name and I'm a flame
Flame, flame of desire
Only your kiss can put out the fire
Oh you are the lover I have waited for
Your the mate that fate had me created for
And every time your lips meet mine
Down and down I go
Round and round I go
In a spin, lovin' the spin I'm in
Under the old black magic called love
In James Last's song "That Old Black Magic," the singer is expressing the feeling of being captivated by another person's love, as if it were a spell or magic. They acknowledge that this love may not be good for them, but they cannot resist it. The lyrics describe the physical sensations the singer feels when they are around their love interest, such as "icy fingers up and down my spine" and "the same old tingle that I feel inside."
The chorus emphasizes the idea of being pulled under the spell of love, as the singer goes "down and down" and "round and round" like a leaf caught in a tide. The song's bridge states that the singer's love interest is the only one they have been waiting for and the only one fate created for them. The song concludes with the singer acknowledging that they should stay away, yet still feeling the flames of desire for their love interest.
Overall, the song conveys the idea that love can be all-consuming and overpowering, just like magic.
Line by Line Meaning
Old black magic has me in its spell
I am enchanted by your bewitching ways
Old black magic that you weave so well
Your powers of attraction are irresistible
Those icy fingers up and down my spine
Your touch sends shivers of excitement through me
The same old witch craft when your eyes meet mine
The chemistry between us is undeniable
Same old tingle that I feel inside
I am electrified by your presence
Then the elevator starts it ride
Our passion ignites and takes us to new heights
Down and down I go
I am falling deeper under your spell
Round and round I go
My emotions are overwhelming and dizzying
Like a leaf caught in a tide
I am swept away by the current of my feelings
I should stay away but what can I do
Logic tells me to resist, but my heart won't let me
I hear your name and I'm a flame
You have an intense effect on me
Flame, flame of desire
My longing for you is burning strong
Only your kiss can put out the fire
Only you can satisfy my desire
Oh you're the lover I have waiting for
You are the one I have been searching for
Your the mate that fate had me created for
We are destined to be together
And every time your lips meet mine
Our connection deepens and intensifies
In a spin, lovin' the spin I'm in
I am lost in the passionate whirlwind of our love
Under the old black magic called love
The powerful force of love has us under its spell
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HAROLD ARLEN, JOHNNY MERCER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Douglas Deacon
great arrangement. reminds me of my dear departed dad. makes me cry but with great memories.