Robert Last (1921–1986) was a German drummer and bandleader, best known as the older brother of renowned composer and bandleader James Last. Born in Bremen, Germany, Robert grew up in a musical family alongside his brothers James and Werner, both of whom also pursued careers in music.
The exact date of birth of Robert Last is not consistently recorded in publicly available sources. James was the youngest child of Louis and Martha Last. Robert Last was one of his older brothers.
Although some sources suggest Robert was born on May 7, 1921, official confirmation of this is lacking in biographies or reliable archives. The Last family consisted of five children – a daughter and four sons – but specific dates for Robert are not consistently recorded.
As a drummer, Robert Last was active in the German big band and orchestral scene, often performing in jazz and popular music ensembles. While he never achieved the same international fame as his brother James, he played an essential role as a session musician and bandleader in various recording projects.
Throughout his career, Robert Last worked with several orchestras and musicians, contributing to Germany’s post-war music revival. He was known for his energetic drumming style and his ability to adapt to different genres, including jazz, swing, and light orchestral music.
Robert Last passed away in 1986, but his contributions to the German music scene remain part of his family’s lasting legacy in the world of orchestral and easy listening music.
