Brazilian Singer-Songwriter Sérgio Mendes Dies At 83
Source: Paul Natkin / Getty
Sérgio Mendes died Thursday in Los Angeles at the age of 83.
The news was confirmed by his family in a statement, which indicated that Mendes was accompanied in his last moments by his wife Gracinha Leporace Mendes (with whom he shared a 54-year musical career with), and his children.
The statement also reported that Mendes had been dealing with prolonged after-effects of COVID-19.
Over a career that spanned six decades, Mendes released more than 35 albums and continued performing until last year, with performances in cities including Paris, London and Barcelona in 2023.
Source: Harmony Gerber / Getty
Born in 1941 in Niterói, Brazil, Mendes began his musical training in classical music and developed a deep passion for jazz after listening to Dave Brubeck.
His career took off with the group Brasil ’66, and his international success was consolidated with the iconic single “Mas Que Nada,” along with other hits like “The Look of Love.”
Mendes worked with a wide range of renowned artists, including:
- Herb Alpert
- The Black Eyed Peas (video below)
- Herbie Mann and Cannonball Adderley
- Frank Sinatra
- Quincy Jones
- Burt Bacharach
- Stevie Wonder
- Erykah Badu, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Q-Tip, and Pharoahe Monch: Featured on his album “Timeless.”
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Among his most notable songs are:
- Mas que Nada
- The Look of Love
- Fool on the Hill
- Never Gonna Let You Go
- Scarborough Fair
The documentary “Sergio Mendes: In the Key of Joy,” released in 2020, explored his career and collaborations with contemporary artists such as will.i.am, Common and John Legend.
Additionally, Mendes and Legend were nominated for an Oscar in 2012 for the song “Real in Rio” from the animated film “Rio.”
