James Last has died aged 86.
The German-born big band leader passed away "peacefully and in the presence of his family" at his home in Florida yesterday (09.06.15), his manager has confirmed.
Selling millions of albums with his trademark "happy music", the much-loved star was a regular on British television, after releasing his first album in 1964.
The star – who is survived by wife Christine and children Ronald and Caterina – revealed last September he was suffering a "life-threatening" illness, announcing his final string of tour dates because, "a man full of plans, needs to not just slow down but give up his life on tour altogether".
After performing two farewell concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London in March and April, his final show was held in Cologne, Germany on April 26.
Announcing the concerts in February, he said: "The main thing is that my fans have the best concerts of their lives and we will make this our ‘happiest’ concert yet."
James released hundreds of records during his career – at one point putting out two LPs each month – although his final album, ‘Music Is My World’ was released in 2011.
James Last dies aged 86
