James Last has died

Big band leader James Last has died at his home in Florida, aged 86.

The German-born musician's manager said he died at his home "peacefully and in the presence of his family".

His "happy music" made his numerous albums best-sellers in Germany and the United Kingdom. His composition "Happy Heart" became an international success in interpretations by Andy Williams and Petula Clark.

According to British Hit Singles & Albums, he has reportedly sold in excess of eighty million albums worldwide.

He recorded more than 190 records and sold millions of copies, achieving continuous success from the mid-1960s into the early 1980s.

He appeared at the Royal Albert Hall in the spring as part of a farewell tour he announced after becoming seriously ill last year.

See him performing at the BBC in 1976 below.