Sergio Mendes, Grammy-winning Brazilian music legend, dies at 83

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Sergio Mendes, the Grammy-winning Brazilian musician whose hit “Mas Que Nada” made him a world legend, has died after months battling the consequences of lengthy COVID. He was 83.

The dying Thursday of the Brazilian pianist, songwriter and arranger was confirmed in an announcement by his household.

“His spouse and musical associate for the previous 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was by his facet, as have been his loving kids,” the assertion Friday mentioned. “Mendes final carried out in November 2023 to bought out and wildly enthusiastic homes in Paris, London and Barcelona.”

His composition “Mas que Nada” was one of many songs that helped popularize the Brazilian music style bossa nova worldwide within the Sixties.

In 2006, a contemporary model of the track topped U.S. charts, as carried out by Black Eyed Peas. It was included in his album “Timeless,” produced by will.i.am and that includes Stevie Surprise, Justin Timberlake and the Black Eyed Peas, amongst others.

“Sergio Mendes was my brother from one other nation,” trumpet participant Herb Alpert wrote on Fb, together with a photograph from many years in the past, sitting subsequent to Mendes on the piano. “He was a real pal and intensely gifted musician who introduced Brazilian music in all its iterations to the complete world with class.”

Mendes additionally composed the soundtrack for the movie “Pelé,” that includes saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, and even produced an album recorded by the Brazilian legendary soccer participant.

Mendes received the 1992 Grammy Award for Finest World Music Album for “Brasileiro” and two Latin Grammy Awards. He additionally acquired an Oscar nomination in 2012 for Finest Unique Track for “Actual in Rio,” from the animated movie “Rio.”

Mendes’ household mentioned they are going to present particulars concerning funeral and memorial companies at a later date.