Way back in the seventies we had a few records of
James Last among the collection of LP and EP.
What I remember was that we used to play more of
James Last than the ones by Abba or Boney M. The reason could be that all his
music was “Happy Music”
A German boy who ran messages to Air Defence
command posts during air raids in WW-II, he has come a long way in his 84 years of career.
After the fall of the Nazis, he joined the
Hans-Gunther Dance Orchestra.
From there his chart was on the rise.
One of the hallmarks of James Last is that he does
not give up on his troupe members. That is the reason why you see many elderly
members in his troupe at any given time.
But even if they are slightly older, their spirit
and enthusiasm is never dampened as can be seen in the video below.
He has done shows with other stalwarts like Richard
Clayderman, Abba, and the like.
All his earlier records had this font and it was
easy to spot his record from far in a music store.
His 1965 LP Non
Stop Dancing was his very first big hit.
‘Hansi’ (as he was earlier known) tried this idea
of including the party effect of people clapping and laughing into his records.
This was something he picked up as a boy while listening to the radio.
His dress sense may look outlandish but I presume that
is his idea to make his shows more colourful and lively.
"I
have always made music, which I liked and then I realised that lots of people
like what I like. I play only what I like, otherwise I would lie to myself and
lie to the audience. I must enjoy what I'm doing and then there's a good feel
on stage and if people come to the show they can say, "oh yeah, they like
what they are doing, it's fun." We enjoy what we are doing on stage and
that's why the concerts still sell out. The audience can see that we enjoy what
we are doing then it goes over to them as well."
When he crossed 80, he came out with a new record
titled “80 Not Out”
No wonder he has sold seven million albums worldwide in his lifetime.
His live shows still manage to get a lot of
audience
His advice to others: “take care
of your life, make the best of it and enjoy music”
I have this video (The Mexican Hat Dance) on my
cell phone and often watch it when I am in the mood for something peppy.
Nothing like music to
lift your mood.
35 comments:
No party was complete without James Last.....really happy music for non-stop dancing.Have to see the Mexican dance you have,Thanks for great info and photos...Cindy
Just managed to view the video...happy. Cindy
Great music for dancing especially the jive- Ivan
Interesting review on James Last and thanks for sharing.
He rocks!
Love,
Rowan
Personal Style Blog WWW.REDREIDINGHOOD.COM
PS: Don’t forget to enter my GIVEAWAY in order to win a pair of jeans from The Sting of your own choice!
I wasn't familiar with this artist; but, after watching the video, I can see why you like him. He's very entertaining, and his music is indeed peppy!
Interesting post, I quite like James Last.
"Happy music" - I like that:-) There's nothing better than happy music to lift your mood, especially if you are in the privacy of your living room and can dance along.
I didn't know about him but appreciate your sharing the interesting post!
It's true that music does have the ability to lift one's soul-----especially happy music!
Thanks so much for visiting my blog today! Susan
A new entertainer to me -- he sure doesn't let age slow him down ... a good example to us all. fun video.
Oh, my dad used to play his cassettes all the time... that is what I remember growing up, nice peppy numbers that made you wanna dance. He sure is one of a kind, James Last... I should check out his recent album.
I've never heard of this artist, but I enjoyed learning about him. I liked the video too. That was happy music, and it puts you in a good mood to listen to it. :)
Thanks for visiting my blog! Always nice to hear from people on the other side of the world. Have a great day.
What do they say about music... that it is an international language. so true!
I enjoyed the story of James Last and the video.
James Last was meant to last till the last. 80 and still last. His music will always last. I have an LP (Papa Joe's Party). We danced the night away with James last music...John Marcedo
Very interesting.
I agree music is the international language.
I listened to James Last too in the 70th what I didn't know was that he was a compatriote of me, lol !
Interesting to read this history. Music can unite everyone!
Nice post! i loved loved ABBA and Boney M..awesome!
:)
Thanks Joe for introducing James Last to all of us. I have danced to the party favs but did not realise nor knew it was JL music. My encounter with d super star becoz of U. thanks.
Thanks for the introduction to James Last. I was not familiar with him before this.
I have a James Last CD :-) Thank you for the biographical information, I knew nothing of his early life!
I need to introduce myself to his music!
Music makes the world go round :) Interesting post Joe. Thanks for introducing his music to us.
Wow! the 70's didn't die yet. :) I'm loving that suit in the painting photo.
I meant the blue suit in the photo before the Painting.
Great blog..very insightful...enjoyed reading..regards Joellan.
James Last.. a blast from the past. I didn't intend for that to rhyme. ;)
Age is mere a number, the passion, the drive, the zest and the spirit matters and it can be so uplifting. Thanks for this wonderful post, glad I could visit here today!
Thank u for this. Now I hate myself for myself out on him.
Thanks for the comment on my blog! Wow, I have never heard of James Last but now I think I might have to check him out.
Music is the best medicine for a bad mood. Never heard him. Will do now.
I have never heard of him... love this video! it is indeed happy! so glad to meet you ;)
Hi Joe........ hmmmm......havnt heard James Last for a long time but now will look for his songs right now :).....thanks for the informative article...Love to you both...Jessie
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