Horst Jankowski: The Maestro of Easy Listening
Early Life and Education
Horst Jankowski was born on January 30, 1936, in Berlin, Germany. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in music, which led him to study at the Berlin Music Conservatory. Here, he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of music, laying the foundation for his future career.
Career Beginnings
In the 1950s, Jankowski began his professional career in the world of jazz. He served as the bandleader for the singer Caterina Valente, gaining valuable experience and exposure in the music industry. His early work in jazz set the stage for his later success in easy listening music.
Rise to Fame
Jankowski’s fame as a composer of easy listening music peaked in 1965 with his tune “Eine Schwarzwaldfahrt”, released in English as “A Walk in the Black Forest”. The tune became a pop hit, reaching #1 on the US easy listening chart, #12 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and #3 on the UK Singles Chart. This track has since become a signature song at Plymouth Argyle F.C., being played at the end of each game as the fans leave the grounds.
Continued Success
Following the success of “A Walk in the Black Forest”, Jankowski released the album “The Genius of Jankowski” in 1965, which also sold over a million copies. Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Jankowski continued to score a string of successful albums, solidifying his place in the world of easy listening music.
Shift in Musical Focus
In the 1970s, Jankowski began to shift his focus more towards jazz, including covers of pop and rock hits. This marked a new phase in his career, showcasing his versatility as a musician and his ability to adapt to changing musical trends.
Later Years and Death
Between 1989 and 1994, Jankowski composed and performed easy listening music for Sonoton, Germany. However, his health began to decline, and he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Jankowski passed away from the disease on June 29, 1998, at the age of 62, leaving behind a rich musical legacy.
- “A Walk in the Black Forest” (Eine Schwarzwaldfahrt): This is arguably Jankowski’s most famous composition. It was a hit in both Germany and the United States, and it showcases his unique style of easy listening music.
- “Nola”: This is the B-side to “A Walk in the Black Forest”. It’s a cover of a 1915 song that has been recorded by many great artists over the years.
- “Light My Fire”: In the 1970s, Jankowski began covering popular songs in a jazz style. His version of “Light My Fire”, originally by The Doors, is a great example of this phase of his career.
- “Heide”: This is another one of Jankowski’s original compositions. It’s a beautiful piece that showcases his skills as a pianist and composer.
- “More”: This is a cover of a song originally composed by Riz Ortolani. Jankowski’s version is a beautiful interpretation that adds his unique touch to the song.
- “Morgen ist alles vorüber”: This is a beautiful ballad that showcases Jankowski’s skills as a composer and pianist.
- “Das ist der Morgen”: This is another one of Jankowski’s original compositions. It’s a beautiful piece that showcases his skills as a pianist and composer.
- “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White”: This is a cover of a popular song from the 1950s. Jankowski’s version is a beautiful interpretation that adds his unique touch to the song.
- “Play a Simple Melody”: This is a cover of a popular song by Irving Berlin. Jankowski’s version is a beautiful interpretation that adds his unique touch to the song.
- “I Say a Little Prayer”: This is a cover of a popular song by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Jankowski’s version is a beautiful interpretation that adds his unique touch to the song.
