Sergio Mendes, the renowned Brazilian musician recognized for his 1966 hit “Mas Que Nada,” has passed away at the age of 83 after a prolonged battle with the effects of long COVID. His family announced his death on Thursday.
Mendes’ wife and musical collaborator of 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, and their children were by his side at the time of his passing. The statement released by the family highlighted that Mendes performed last in November 2023 to enthusiastic audiences in Paris, London, and Barcelona.
Born in Niterói, Mendes began his musical journey studying classical music before moving into jazz. He gained prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s by playing Bossa Nova in Rio’s burgeoning nightclub scene alongside music legends such as Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto.
In 1962, Mendes participated in a Bossa Nova festival at Carnegie Hall in New York, where he was invited by Cannonball Adderley to collaborate on a project, leading to his first American record, “The Swinger from Rio.” In 1964, he relocated to California and founded Brazil ’64, which would later be known as Brazil ’66 after he added two female vocalists. Their debut album featured “Mas Que Nada,” a song originally released in 1963 by composer Jorge Ben Jor. Mendes’ jazz-infused version of the song became a global sensation and was pivotal in the Brazilian music boom of the 1960s.
Mendes’ music spanned various genres, including covers of Beatles classics and original works like “Magalenha.” He also composed the soundtrack for the film “Pelé” and produced an album featuring the soccer legend. Mendes earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Grammy Award in 1992 for Best World Music Album for “Brasileiro” and two Latin Grammy Awards. He was also nominated for an Oscar in 2012 for Best Original Song for “Real in Rio,” from the animated movie “Rio.”
Tributes have poured in for Mendes, with trumpet player Herb Alpert describing him as an exceptionally talented musician who showcased Brazilian music worldwide. Mendes’ family has indicated they will share details about funeral and memorial services in the future.