Brazilian music legend Sérgio Mendes dies at 83

Sérgio Mendes, the renowned Brazilian singer and composer who played a key role in popularizing bossa nova music, died Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 83.

Mendes’ family, in a statement shared with CNN, noted that he was surrounded by his wife and musical partner of 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, as well as his children. They revealed he had recently been battling the effects of long-term COVID-19.

Over his six-decade career, Mendes released more than 35 albums and last performed in Paris, London, and Barcelona in 2023. He was born in Niterói, Brazil, in 1941, and after studying classical music, he developed a passion for jazz influenced by Dave Brubeck.

Mendes gained fame with his group Brasil ’66, especially for their Portuguese-language hit “Mas Que Nada” and the smooth track “The Look of Love.” His collaborations included artists such as Herb Alpert, Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, and Stevie Wonder. Notable songs from his career include “Scarborough Fair,” “Night and Day,” and “Never Gonna Let You Go.”

The 2020 documentary "Sergio Mendes: In the Key of Joy" highlighted his extensive career and collaborations with contemporary artists like will.i.am, Common, and John Legend. Mendes and Legend were nominated for an Oscar in 2012 for their song “Real in Rio” from the film “Rio.”

Reflecting on his career, Mendes once told NPR, “I’ve been very fortunate to have had such experiences because that has enriched my life. Working with different people from different countries, from different cultures, I think it just helps you grow and learn new things.”

[Information sourced from CNN]