German-American band leader and music composer James Last passed away at his home in Florida on June 9. He was 86.
According to Last's manager, he died at his home 'peacefully and in the presence of his family.'
Born Hans Last in 1929, Last began deftly covering pop hits with big band arrangements and is said to have sold over 80 million albums worldwide in his lifetime.
He also reportedly performed almost 2,500 live concerts during his five-decade career.
He had snagged his first record deal in 1964.
Photograph: Christian Augustin/Getty Images
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