|
Last, who sold more than 80 million records worldwide, was
best known for pop hits in a big band style.
His trademark "happy sound" included a strong dance beat, crowd
noise and laughter blended into the tunes. His first album,
entitled "Non Stop Dancing", was released in 1965.
Born in the northern German city of Bremen, Last was originally
a piano player and after World War Two he began a musical career
that lasted some six decades.
Popular around the world, he appeared at London's Royal Albert
Hall earlier this year.
Last "lived for music and wrote musical history", said Semmel
Concerts, adding he was the most successful German band leader
of all time.
"In him, the world loses a unique ambassador whose strong and
all-embracing language was music," it added.
Last died in the presence of his family in Florida on Tuesday
after a short illness, the firm said. A memorial service will
take place in Hamburg, probably in the coming weeks.
(Reporting by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Alison Williams)
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
|
|
