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HomeEntertainmentLegendary Bossa Nova Pioneer Sérgio Mendes Passes Away at 83

Legendary Bossa Nova Pioneer Sérgio Mendes Passes Away at 83

 

 

Sérgio Mendes, iconic Brazilian artist who popularized bossa nova, passes away at 83


Sérgio Mendes, the legendary Brazilian musician known for introducing bossa nova to the world in the 1960s, has passed away, as confirmed by his family on Friday.

 

In a message shared with YSL News, his family stated that Mendes died on Thursday in Los Angeles, surrounded by his children and his wife of 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes. He was 83 years old.

“International music icon Sergio Mendes, who brought the joyful sounds of Brazil to a global audience, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024 in Los Angeles,” the family’s message read. “Mendes last performed in November 2023 to sold-out shows and enthusiastic fans in Paris, London, and Barcelona.”

The family also mentioned that Mendes had been facing health issues related to long COVID in the months leading up to his death.

 

Mendes leaves behind “an extraordinary musical legacy that spans over sixty years, characterized by a unique sound first showcased by his band Brasil ’66,” according to his family.

Sérgio Mendes: ‘Mas Que Nada’ ‘kickstarted my career’

 

A Grammy award winner and Oscar nominee, Mendes is best recognized for his iconic 1966 hit “Mas Que Nada.”

 

Musician Herb Alpert, who played a crucial role in Mendes’ rise to international fame, expressed his condolences in an Instagram post on Friday, calling Mendes “a true friend and immensely talented artist who introduced Brazilian music in all its forms to the world with grace and joy.”

The two collaborated on Mendes’ debut album with Brasil 66, “Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66.” This album featured “Mas Que Nada,” which helped the band gain significant recognition on the music charts.

 

“It was the very first time a song in Portuguese became a hit in America and worldwide,” Mendes told NPR in 2014.

“That song provided me with my first major breakthrough,” he added. “I still enjoy playing it and never grow weary of it.”

In 1993, he won his first Grammy for “Brasileiro,” which won in the best world music album category. His song “Real in Rio” also garnered him an Oscar nomination in 2012.

John Legend paid tribute to Mendes with a heartfelt comment on the Instagram post announcing his passing.

 

“We love you, Sergio 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾” he wrote.

Actor Elijah Wood shared a simple farewell on X, previously known as Twitter, saying, “Farewell, Sergio Mendes,” along with a black-and-white photo of the renowned musician.

Contributing: Anthony Boadle, Reuter