Bert Kaempfert, born Berthold Heinrich Kämpfert on October 16, 1923, in Barmbek, Hamburg, Germany, was a renowned German orchestra leader, composer, and producer. He was a multi-instrumentalist, proficient in playing the trumpet, accordion, clarinet, piano, and saxophone. Kaempfert's early musical education was at the Hamburg School of Music, and he further honed his skills at the Hamburg Music Academy. His career began with the Hans Busch Orchestra, and during World War II, he served as a bandsman in the German Navy. After the war, he formed his own band and toured extensively.

Kaempfert's breakthrough came with his orchestra's hit "Wonderland by Night" in 1960, which topped the American pop charts. He was instrumental in promoting the Beatles, having hired them to back Tony Sheridan on the album "My Bonnie." Kaempfert composed numerous well-known songs, including "Strangers in the Night," "Danke Schoen," "Moon Over Naples" (also known as "Spanish Eyes"), and "A Swingin' Safari." His music was characterized by its easy listening and jazz influences, with a distinctive use of horns.

Throughout his career, Kaempfert worked with various artists and his compositions were recorded by legends such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Nat King Cole. He won a Golden Globe for "Strangers in the Night," and along with his co-writer Herbert Rehbein, was inducted into the American Songwriters' Hall of Fame. Bert Kaempfert passed away on June 21, 1980, in Mallorca, Spain, leaving behind a significant legacy in the world of music. His influence continues through the Bert Kaempfert Orchestra and various tributes to his work.