James Last, the German composer and big band leader, has died. He was 86.
Last sold a reported 80 million albums over the course of his lengthy career, with many of his compositions recorded by the likes of Elvis Presley, Andy Williams and Petula Clark. He was best known for his big band interpretations of pop songs but his original compositions featured on the soundtracks of many movies.
He died at his home in Palm Beach, Florida after a 'short, serious illness', according to his management. He is survived by his two children and his second wife, Christina.
