Brazilian Music Legend Sérgio Mendes Dead at 83

Brazilian Music Legend Sérgio Mendes Dead at 83
Sérgio Mendes, the legendary Brazilian musician, passed away on September 5, 2024, at the age of 83, after a prolonged battle with long COVID. Mendes was instrumental in popularizing bossa nova and Brazilian music worldwide, particularly through his group Brasil '66, which achieved international fame in the 1960s. Born on February 11, 1941, in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Mendes initially studied classical piano but found his passion in jazz and Brazilian music, becoming one of the foremost ambassadors of bossa nova.

Mendes’ breakthrough came in 1966 when his group, Brasil '66, released their hit single “Mas Que Nada,” which became a global sensation. The band, known for its sophisticated blend of Brazilian rhythms and American pop, further solidified its place in music history with hits like "The Look of Love" and "The Fool on the Hill." His smooth, accessible bossa nova sound appealed to both jazz enthusiasts and mainstream audiences, making him a household name in the U.S. during the late 1960s.

Throughout his career, Mendes released nearly 35 albums and won three Grammy Awards. He continued to evolve musically, collaborating with artists like Stevie Wonder and the Black Eyed Peas, with whom he re-recorded "Mas Que Nada" in 2006. His collaborations, notably the 2011 Academy Award-nominated song “Real in Rio” from the animated film *Rio*, showcased his enduring relevance in contemporary music.

Mendes is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Gracinha Leporace, who had been a key vocalist in his band since the 1970s, as well as their children and grandchildren
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