The story of the German orchestra leader, composer and producer Bert Kaempfert reads like a novel, in which all the musical legends of the twentieth century figure. This DVD is a fascinating documentary about his career, the bonus CD is a selection of his best music. Born in 1923, Kaempfert spends his childhood in a poverty-stricken and politically noisy country. Bert's parents are fiercely anti-Nazi
… and instead of the Hitler Youth they put him in a private school where he receives music education. After the outbreak of war, Kaempfert joins the military band. After the war, his orchestra became the most successful in Germany. In the early 1960s he discovers the Beatles in Hamburg and produces a record of them with Tony Sheridan before handing them over to Brian Epstein. Kaemfert then specializes in ' easy listening ', a new genre that he defines himself, with forays into swing, African music and film music. As orchestra leader and producer for Polydor, he collaborates with Nat King Cole, Brenda Lee and Elvis Presley, among others. Kaempfert himself considers the recording of his composition Strangers In The Night by Frank Sinatra as a highlight. The film features interviews with Freddy Quinn, Hildegard Kneff, James Last and family members of Kaempfert. (MS) James Last and Kaempfert's relatives. (MS) James Last and Kaempfert's relatives. (MS)more