Farewell to Sérgio Mendes: Musician who popularized Bossa Nova around the world dies at 83
The artist, known for popularizing bossa nova and samba globally, boasts a record of 14 songs in the Top 100 of the American charts, an unprecedented feat among musicians.
Sergio Mendes, in a performance on Rock in Rio's Sunset Stage, in 2015 - Photo Reproduction / Bárbara Lopes / Agência O Globo
Sérgio Mendes, one of the greatest ambassadors of Bossa Nova and an icon of Brazilian music, died this Tuesday (06) at the age of 83, in Los Angeles, in the United States, where he had lived since the 1960s. The pianist's family confirmed his death, although the cause was not disclosed. Mendes, who achieved enormous success in the United States, has collaborated throughout his career with great names in jazz, such as Herb Alpert and Cannonball Adderley, American pop artists, such as Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, Black Eyed Peas and John Legend, and with MPB, like João Donato and Hermeto Pascoal.
Musical trajectory
Born in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Sérgio Mendes began his career in the 1960s, amid the effervescent Bossa Nova scene, a musical style that combined samba with jazz influences. In 1964, he moved to the United States, where he produced two albums under the name Brazil '64, by Capitol Records and Atlantic Records. It was also there that he founded the group "Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66", which achieved success with the Bossa Nova version of a song by Jorge Ben Jor. Mendes gained international prominence, bringing a new sound and interpretation to the musical scene. Songs like "Mas que Nada" and "The Look of Love" became global classics, bringing Brazilian music to worldwide recognition.
The musician spent a long period in ostracism, releasing albums that had little commercial success. In 1971, Mendes had the opportunity to meet Elvis Presley during the King of Rock's season in Nevada, on the Midnight Show. His reunion with the public took place in 1984, with the release of the successful album "Never Gonna Let You Go", which reached fourth place in the charts. Shortly afterwards, he released the album "Confetti", which includes, among other tracks, the song "Olympia", composed for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
In the 90s, Sergio Mendes formed the band Brasil 99 and released the album "Brasileiro", which took him back to the charts and earned him the 1993 Grammy in the World Music category. In 2006, the song "Mas que Nada" was remixed by the Black Eyed Peas, with the participation of Mendes. Throughout his career he has collaborated with renowned artists, such as Stevie Wonder. With a 60-year career and 35 albums released, many of which achieved success on the international charts.
Mendes received a Grammy and was nominated for an Oscar in 2012 for the song "Real in Rio", which he composed in partnership with Carlinhos Brown for the soundtrack of the animation Rio. The most recent album, "In the Key of Joy" (2020), was developed through collaborations with renowned artists such as João Donato, Hermeto Pascoal and Guinga. In the same year, the work also inspired a documentary with the same title.
Musical Legacy
His collaborations with artists from different genres, from jazz and pop to hip-hop, highlight his musical versatility and his ability to move between different styles without losing the Brazilian essence. Mendes has been nominated for and won numerous awards, including a Grammy, cementing his position as a central figure in contemporary music.
Sergio Mendes not only popularized Bossa Nova outside of Brazil, but also helped define the sound of an era. His work brought a sense of optimism and celebration, reflecting the vibrant culture and joy of Brazil.
His influence can be seen in many current artists, who still reinterpret his music and the style he helped shape. Sergio Mendes is survived by his wife, Gracinha Leporace, who also sang with him for many years, as well as five children and a vast musical legacy that will continue to inspire new generations. His departure marks the end of an era, but his music and contribution to Brazilian and world culture will certainly continue to shine for many years to come.
