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Bert Kaempfert

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Bert Kaempfert was born in 1923 in Hamburg. He studied at the music school of his city and played accordion, piano, clarinet and other instruments. During the Second World War he played in a navy band. He then led a big band of his own and became an arranger and producer at the label Polydor, where he made hits with Freddy Quinn.

Music and breakthrough

In 1960 he became world-famous with his orchestra through Wonderland by Night. In Germany nobody wanted to release it, but in America it reached number 1. The song had a lonely trumpet, muted brass and lush strings: the sound of easy listening. Kaempfert also wrote melodies for others. Strangers in the Night became a number 1 hit for Frank Sinatra in 1966, Spanish Eyes a hit for Al Martino, Danke Schoen the signature song of Wayne Newton and L-O-V-E a success for Nat King Cole. For Elvis Presley he adapted the German folk song Muss i denn into Wooden Heart.

Influence

In 1961 he played a part in the beginnings of The Beatles. In Hamburg he had the group accompany the singer Tony Sheridan on recordings of My Bonnie. Those were the first records on which The Beatles can be heard. When a customer in Liverpool asked for My Bonnie in Brian Epstein's record shop, Epstein went looking and discovered the band. Kaempfert afterwards let The Beatles leave without any problems, so that they could sign with George Martin.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to My Bonnie by Tony Sheridan and The Beatles. Notice how the song begins slowly like an old folk song and then suddenly switches into fast rock 'n' roll with powerful guitars and drums.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Categories: Artists