Post Description

Kai Warner was the stage name of Werner Last (October 27, 1926 - July 9, 1982), a German bandleader and musician.

Born in Bremen, Warner took piano lessons from Ernst Weelen and received theory instruction from the Reger and Humperdinck student Richard Bulling.

After the war, Werner Last appeared as a trombonist along with his brothers Hans (bassist, later known as James Last) and Robert Last (drummer) in Bremen music halls and in the American clubs in the vicinity of Bremerhaven. At this point, he was discovered by the composer and manager Friedrich Meyer and hired for the newly-formed dance orchestra of Radio Bremen. The Last brothers became well-known as members of the Last-Becker Ensemble. Werner Last found his first success as an arranger. After the disbandment of the Bremen dance orchestra in 1948, he played for a time in a 12-man band, then went to seek his fortune in the USA. Before this, he married the 18-year-old Hjördis Harlow, an American of Norwegian descent. From this marriage came two sons, Steven and Werner.

In the USA, Werner had to make his living as a casual labourer for several months before he was admitted into the New York musician"s union. As a trombonist, he belonged to several renowned big bands. As well, he studied music theory at New York University with Schillinger professor Rudolf Schramm.

In 1958, Werner Last returned to Germany and arranged numerous film scores. In 1966 he signed a contract as a producer with Polydor; he discovered and produced Renate Kern. As Kai Warner, he started his own orchestra, which included many musicians who played with James Last (such as his brother Robert Last, who had already played drums on the earliest James Last sessions). In 1975, Kai Warner switched from Polydor to Philips.

Besides his LPs like Pops For Minis, Happy Together, Goldtimer 1 and 2, his name is forever linked with the Go-In series, which continued later on Philips under the name Go-In Party.

Other albums: So In Love, Love Songs, Romantic Songs, Wer recht in Freuden tanzen will, Warner Plays Wagner, Golden Violins, Volkslieder Festival, On The Road To Philadelphia, Swingin" Johann, Salsoul Explosion, A Glass Of Champagne, Dance To The Beatles, Zum Tanz Marsch Marsch, Polka wie noch nie, Oriental Nights, It"s Country Time, and naturally the Christmas album Christmas Party.

He died in Hamburg aged 55.



Kai Warner Bits and Pieces

01    -  Postkoets Medley  - Kai Warner  -    
02    -  Stumblin"  In  - Kai Warner  -    
03    -  Eight Days a Week  - Kai Warner  -    
04    -  Begin The Beguine  - Kai Warner  -    
05    -  Dancing In The Dark  - Kai Warner  -    
06    -  Canadian Sunset  - Kai Warner  -    
07    -  Raddampfer Polka  - Kai Warner  -    
08    -  My Prayer  - Kai Warner  -    
09    -  Tango Romantica  - Kai Warner  -    
10    -  A Man Without Love  - Kai Warner  -    
11    -  Margies Hustle  - Kai Warner  -    
12    -  Mame / Five Minutes More / Hello Dolly  - Kai Warner  -    
13    -  Karamba Karacho ein Whisky; Jenseits des Tales; Western Song  - Kai Warner  -    
14    -  Goodbye is Not Forever  - Kai Warner  -    
15    -  Flamingo  - Kai Warner  -    
16    -  Happy Together  - Kai Warner  -    
17    -  Jungle Drums  - Kai Warner  -    
18    -  Silver Morning Rain  - Kai Warner  -    
19    -  Mama Weer All Crazee Now---Wig-Wam Bam---Eine Neue Liebe Ist Wie Ein Neues Leben  - Kai Warner  -    
20    -  Cumana  - Kai Warner  -    
21    -  Love"s Theme  - Kai Warner  -    
22    -  South of the Border  - Kai Warner  -    
23    -  American Pie  - Kai Warner  -    
24    -  Sally  - Kai Warner  -    
25    -  Without You; Heart of Gold  - Kai Warner  -    
26    -  Gringo  - Kai Warner  -    
27    -  Bim Bam Bum  - Kai Warn
28    -  The Last Waltz  - Kai Warner  -