CNN
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Sérgio Mendes, a singer and composer who helped popularize the bossa nova music of his native Brazil, died Thursday in Los Angeles, his household shared in an announcement with CNN.
Mendes was 83.
“His spouse and musical accomplice for the previous 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was by his facet, as had been his loving kids,” the household’s assertion learn.
They added that he had just lately been battling the consequences of long-term Covid.
Mendes recorded greater than 35 albums over the course of his six-decade profession. He final carried out to crowds in Paris, London and Barcelona in 2023.
“There’s a phrase in English that I really like: serendipity,” a quote from Mendes on his website reads. “That’s the story of my life.”
Mendes was born in Niteroi, Brazil in 1941. He studied classical music in his youth and developed an affinity for jazz music after listening to a Dave Brubeck document, in response to his web site.
He started taking part in in trios and quartets earlier than transferring to United States together with his group Brasil ’66. Their Portuguese-language single “Mas Que Nada” introduced them success, together with the graceful hit “The Look of Love.”
Mendes collaborated with a star-studded record of artists through the years, like Herb Albert, Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach and Stevie Marvel. A few of his different memorable songs embrace “Scarborough Truthful,” “Night time and Day,” and “Never Gonna Let You Go.”
The 2020 documentary “Sergio Mendes: In the Key of Joy” explored his profession and work with different up to date artists, together with will.i.am, Widespread and John Legend. Mendes and Legend acquired a 2012 Oscar nomination for finest unique music for “Actual in Rio” from the animated movie “Rio.”
Mendes mirrored on his profession longevity and plenty of musical partnerships in a 2020 interview with NPR.
“I’ve been very lucky to have had such experiences as a result of that has enriched my life. Working with completely different individuals from completely different nations, from completely different cultures, I believe it simply helps you develop and be taught new issues. … I really like that since you don’t program that; it’s in regards to the magical encounter,” Mendes stated. “I believe it’s a fantastic factor in life.”
This story has been up to date.