Sergio Mendes, the renowned Brazilian musician who brought bossa nova to the global stage in the 1960s with his group Brasil '66, has died at the age of 83 due to complications from having long-term Covid-19.
In a heartfelt statement, Mendes's family shared that he "passed away peacefully" in Los Angeles, where he had made his home. "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 Nov 2023 to sold-out, wildly enthusiastic audiences in Paris, London, and Barcelona," the statement read. "For the last several months, his health had been challenged by the effects of long-term Covid."
Born in Niterói, Brazil in the early 1940s, Mendes began his musical career studying piano at a local conservatory before captivating audiences in nightclubs across Brazil. As the bossa nova wave gained momentum in the early 1960s, he released his debut album Dance Moderno in 1961.
His talent soon led him to international tours, where he collaborated with jazz icons like Cannonball Adderley and Herbie Mann. After relocating to the United States, Mendes formed Sergio Mendes & Brasil '65.
Despite initial struggles in the US market, his group's fortunes changed when he embraced a bilingual approach, mixing English vocals with his signature Brazilian sound.
It was the release of the hit single Mas Que Nada in 1966, originally written by samba legend Jorge Ben, that truly catapulted Mendes and his rebranded group, Brasil '66, into the American mainstream.
The song's infectious rhythms and Mendes's fusion of bossa nova with pop and jazz influences made it a sensation, paving the way for further success.
Mendes's cultural reach extended far beyond music charts. His iconic performance of Burt Bacharach's The Look Of Love at the 1968 Academy Awards cemented his status, and his band played prestigious venues, including for US Presidents Lyndon B Johnson and Richard Nixon.
His sound continued to evolve through the decades, with projects like the Grammy-winning Brasileiro (1992) and modern collaborations with artists like Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and the Black Eyed Peas.
Mendes remained an active force in music until the very end, releasing his final album, In The Key Of Joy, in 2019, accompanied by a documentary chronicling his remarkable career.
His influence on music, especially the global spread of Brazilian rhythms, is undeniable, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
Sergio Mendes is survived by his wife, Gracinha, and their children, who, along with the world, will remember him as one of Brazil's greatest musical ambassadors.
