Sergio Mendes, the Grammy-winning Brazilian musician whose hit “Mas que nada” made him a global legend, has passed away after months battling the effects of long COVID. He was 83.
His death on Thursday was confirmed in a statement by his family.
“His wife and musical partner for the last 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was by his side, along with their beloved children,” the statement read. “Mendes last performed in November 2023 in sold-out and enthusiastic venues in Paris, London, and Barcelona.”
The song “Mas que nada” played a significant role in popularizing the Brazilian bossa nova music genre worldwide in the 1960s.
In 2006, a modern rendition of the song topped the US charts, performed by the Black Eyed Peas. It was featured on their album “Timeless,” produced by will.i.am and included contributions from Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, and the Black Eyed Peas, among others.
“Sergio Mendes was my brother from another country,” wrote trumpeter Herb Alpert on Facebook, sharing a decades-old photo of himself sitting beside Mendes at the piano. “He was a true friend and an extremely talented musician who brought Brazilian music in all its forms to the world with elegance.”
Mendes also composed the soundtrack for the film “Pelé,” alongside saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, and even produced an album recorded by the legendary Brazilian footballer.
He won a Grammy Award in 1992 for Best World Music Album for “Brasileiro” and received two Latin Grammy Awards. Additionally, he was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012 for Best Original Song for “Real in Rio,” from the animated film “Rio.”
Mendes’ family stated that they would share details regarding funeral and memorial services at a later date.