Sérgio Mendes, the influential singer-songwriter and composer who helped bring music bossa nova from Brazil to the world, He passed away on September 5 in Los Angeles at the age of 83.as confirmed by his family to various international media.
In a statement, the family detailed that “his wife and musical partner For the past 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was at his side, along with his beloved children“.
With a career that spanned more than six decadesMendes released more than 35 albums. Nation in NiteróiBrazil, in 1941and from an early age he became interested in classical music and jazz.
According to CNN, the Brazilian singer-songwriter began playing in trios and quartets before moving to the United States with his band. Brazil ’66. It was with success “But Nothing” in Portuguese and the song “The Look of Love” the Brazilian achieved international fame, CNN reported.
Over the years, Mendes collaborated with renowned figures such as Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach y Stevie Wonder.
The official website of Gérard Drout Productions described Mendes as a “planetary influence that probably would not have existed without a coup d’état. A man who made the world sing in Portuguese and gave Brazil the place it deserves in the great global musical celebration.”
For her part, Elisa Wouk Almino of the Los Angeles Times highlighted the energy conveyed by Mendes’ music, noting that “the singers smile, the piano and drums escape with life, but it is almost the pure force of sound, its open energy, what hurts even while it brings pleasure“That’s the ‘Brazilian flavor,'” he argued.
Almino also said that attending a Mendes performance was a conversion experience: “When you see Mendes perform, you absorb his energy. It transforms you. His intentions are palpable: he wants you to feel welcome, until you feel at home.“.
Among its most memorable songs include:
“But Nothing”
According to Jon Pareles of The New York Times, this international hit from Brasil ’66 brought Brazilian rhythms to audiences around the world, highlighting the deep Afro-Brazilian tradition of samba.
“Constant Rain”
Pareles also recalled that Norman Gimbel added English lyrics to this hit, transforming the song into a post-breakup plea.
“The Fool on the Hill”
In this cover by The Beatles, for which Mendes won a Grammy, featured waltz-like verses, a bossa nova chorus and soft orchestration.
“Go”
According to Paul Grein of Billboard, this collaboration with Vanessa Da Mata was part of the album Charmwhich peaked at number one on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and reached number 60 on the Billboard 200. The song was nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Brazilian Song.
“One Note Samba/Spanish Flea”
This combination of classics, composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim and popularized by Brasil ’66, captured the global bossa nova boom of the 1960s, recalls Paul Grein.
“Bim-Bom”
According to Billboard, this piece was one of the first bossa nova songs, composed by João Gilberto around 1956.
“Real in Rio”
One of Mendes’ most contemporary compositions was this one, made with Carlinhos Brown for the DreamWorks film RioThe song was nominated for an Oscar.
