London: James Last, the German-born big-band leader, has passed away in Florida, at the age of 86.


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The composer sold more than 100 million albums worldwide by translating popular hits into a big band sound, branded `Happy Music,` the Mirror has reported.


Last performed about 2,500 live concerts in a 50-year career, appearing at London`s Royal Albert Hall a record 90 times.


His James Last Orchestra was a regular fixture on TV in the 1970s, often appearing on chat shows and performing with guest stars including Abba and Lynsey de Paul.