Sérgio Mendes, one of the most popular Brazilian musicians, passed away. He is credited with bringing bossa nova to the world. He was 83. He suffered many health challenges related to long-term Covid.
Per The Guardian, Mendes passed away in his hometown of Los Angeles. In a statement, his family said he died peacefully. “His wife and musical partner for the past 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was by his side, as were his loving children. Mendes last performed in November 2023 to sold out and wildly enthusiastic houses in Paris, London and Barcelona,” the family statement said. “For the last several months, his health had been challenged by the effects of long term Covid.”
Born on February 11, 1941, in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Mendes is known for blending bossa nova, samba, jazz, and pop music. His ability to adapt traditional Brazilian rhythms to international audiences has made him a musical icon, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s.
Mendes grew up in Brazil immersed in the popular bossa nova movement, which combined elements of samba with jazz. As a young pianist, he was heavily influenced by both Brazilian and American musicians, such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto, and the jazz greats like Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck. Mendes pursued formal music training at the National Conservatory of Music in Rio. His real education came from performing in clubs and collaborating with rising stars of the time.
By the early 1960s, Mendes had become a key figure in the bossa nova scene, playing alongside icons such as Cannonball Adderley, and appearing on notable albums. His talent as a composer, arranger, and bandleader was soon evident.
In 1966, Mendes struck gold with the formation of Brasil ’66, a band that combined Brazilian rhythms with a more mainstream pop sound. Their debut album, Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66, became a massive success. The album’s hit single, a Portuguese rendition of Jorge Ben Jor’s “Mas Que Nada,” became an instant classic.Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Mendes continued to release successful albums with various iterations of Brasil ’66 and later, Brasil ’77 and Brasil ’88
His 2006 album, Timeless, produced by Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, brought Mendes back to the forefront of popular music. The album featured guest appearances from artists like Justin Timberlake, India Arie, and Erykah Badu, blending hip hop, R&B, and bossa nova in an innovative way. The lead single, a new version of “Mas Que Nada” featuring Will.i.am, introduced Mendes to a new generation of fans.
Mendes has earned multiple Grammy Awards and has been recognized for his lifelong contributions to music with honors like the Latin Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. With a career spanning over six decades, Mendes has secured his place as one of the most enduring and beloved figures in global music.
Mendes is survived by his wife, Leporace, and five children.
Rest In Peace.
