Big-Band leader James Last passes away at 86

James Last, the German-born big-band leader, has passed away in Florida, at the age of 86.

The composer sold more than 100 million albums worldwide by translating popular hits into a big band sound, branded ‘Happy Music,’ the Mirror has reported.

Last performed about 2,500 live concerts in a 50-year career, appearing at London’s Royal Albert Hall a record 90 times.

His James Last Orchestra was a regular fixture on TV in the 1970s, often appearing on chat shows and performing with guest stars including Abba and Lynsey de Paul.