Sergio Mendes, a renowned Brazilian musician and cultural icon, has passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 83. TMZ was the first to report the news.
Over his illustrious career, Mendes released more than 35 albums, with many achieving gold and platinum status. He received a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for his work “Brasileiro” in 1993 and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song for “Real in Rio,” featured in the soundtrack of the animated film “Rio” released in 2011.
O Globo referred to Mendes as “the chief exponent of samba-jazz.” His influential group Brasil ’66 played a crucial role in bringing bossa nova to international audiences.
In 1971, Mendes made his first performance at the White House at the invitation of President Richard Nixon. He returned for another performance in 1982, invited by President Ronald Reagan during a state visit by Brazilian President João Figueiredo.
Mendes is best known for his rendition of “Mas Que Nada,” originally written by Jorge Ben Jor and released in 1963. His cover in 1966 reached No. 47 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the song was later performed by various artists, including Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie. Billboard described the track as “the international hit was many music fans’ first glimpse of Brazilian music.”
In 2006, Mendes collaborated with the Black Eyed Peas to re-record “Mas Que Nada.” He also had a friendship with Frank Sinatra, touring with him in 1967 and again in 1980.
A documentary about Mendes, titled “Sergio Mendes: In the Key of Joy,” directed by John Scheinfeld, was released in 2020. Notable figures such as will.i.am and John Legend participated in the film, discussing Mendes’s impact on music. Will.i.am described him as “a translator” of Brazilian culture to the world, while John Legend noted his ability to connect with both new and established artists across generations.
Born in 1941 in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Mendes relocated to the United States in 1964 following the military coup that ousted President João Goulart.
Mendes is survived by his wife, Brazilian singer Gracinha Leporace, and his five children.