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7 unusual facts about James Last Orchestra


Bob Lanese

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Lanese was one of a group of local trumpet players who would eventually play in the James Last Orchestra in Germany, the others being Rick Kiefer, Bob Findley and Chuck Findley.

During his tenure at NDR, he began to work occasional sessions for the James Last Orchestra and eventually joined the band in 1972.

Günter Platzek

He became known for his longtime work with the James Last Orchestra, of which he was a member from 1965 up until his death.

Jo Ment

Ment discontinued making orchestral recordings and became a permanent touring member of the James Last Orchestra, playing accordion and percussion.

He was also a charter member of the James Last Orchestra, although he did not actually tour with Last until the 1980s.

Rick Kiefer

He spent the first half of the 1970s as a member of the James Last Orchestra, as well as with the Peter Herbolzheimer band, and from the late 70s onwards became a permanent member of the WDR (Westdeutscher Rundfunk, or West German Radio) big band.

The Pearls

She also sang and toured with the James Last Orchestra during the entire time she was a member of The Pearls.


Mickey MacConnell

Many of his songs have been recorded internationally by such artists as Christy Moore, The Wolfe Tones, Mary Black, The Kelly Family and The James Last Orchestra.


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