BERLIN -- Big band leader James Last, who sold tens of millions of records over his 50-year career, has died. He was 86.
Born Hans Last in 1929, he pioneered what became known as "Happy Sound" -- light entertainment that appealed to a huge audience in his native Germany and abroad.
Known to his friends as "Hansi," Last composed, rearranged and produced hundreds of pieces ranging in style from swing to jazz, from pop to classical.
Last's farewell tour included a concert at London's Royal Albert Hall in March.
His management company, Semmel Concerts, said on its website Wednesday that Last died at his home in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday surrounded by his family.
The statement said a public memorial service would take place in Hamburg, Germany, in the coming weeks.
