Legendary Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes dies aged 83 (Credit: Twitter)
Sergio MendesThe acclaimed pianist, composer and arranger who significantly shaped the sound of Brazilian music on the world stage has passed away at the age of 83.
Mendes passed away on Thursday in Los Angeles and his family confirmed the news.
Sergio Mendes passed away
While the cause of death was not revealed, it is known that Mendes had been struggling with the long-term effects of COVID, according to Variety.
In a statement shared with the media and reported by Variety, Mendes’ family expressed their sorrow, noting that he “passed away peacefully” in his hometown, surrounded by his wife of 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, and their children.
On the labor front
They noted that Mendes had last performed in November 2023, delighting audiences in Paris, London and Barcelona. His recent health issues, attributed to long-term COVID, had been a concern for several months.
Longtime friend and collaborator Herb Alpert paid tribute to Mendes on social media, describing him as a “true friend and extremely talented musician” who “brought Brazilian music in all its iterations to the entire world with elegance and joy.”
Mendes was a pioneering force in Brazilian music long before its contemporary resurgence through artists like Bad Bunny and Rosalía.
Sergio Mendes was a key figure in bringing Brazilian sounds to a wider audience.
He gained prominence first as part of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s band and then with his own group, Brasil ’66. His innovative fusion of samba, jazz and pop produced memorable hits such as Mas Que Nada, Fool on the Hill and Goin’ Out of My Head.
Throughout his career, Mendes maintained a dominant presence in Brazilian pop and jazz. He contributed to a variety of projects, including producing for Sarah Vaughan. Brazilian romance and working on the soundtrack for the 2011 animated film River.
Mendes’ influence extended beyond music, enriching Brazilian and global culture with his unique sound. According to Variety, in an interview, Mendes reflected on his career, noting, “I’ve been very fortunate to have had experiences like this because it has enriched my life.”
His career was marked by collaborations with a wide range of artists, from jazz greats such as Cannonball Adderley to modern stars such as will.i.am.
Born on February 11, 1941 in Niteroi, Brazil, Mendes initially trained as a classical pianist under his father.
However, his passion for jazz and bossa nova led him to become a central figure in the development of the genre. His early involvement in bossa nova, working alongside João Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim, cemented his place in music history.
Over the decades, Mendes continued to evolve, adapting his sound to contemporary trends while staying true to his roots. His later works, including the 2014 album Magic and the 2020 release In the key of joydemonstrated his enduring creativity and his ability to combine traditional and modern influences.
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