A Life Full of Bossa Nova and More
Sergio Mendes, the Brazilian piano player and songwriter who shared Brazil’s lively music with the world, has died at 83. He passed away on Thursday after fighting long COVID for months. Mendes left behind music that people have loved for over 60 years.
Early Days and Music Beginnings
Mendes was born not far from Rio de Janeiro in Niterói. He learned music at a special school. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, he got into bossa nova. This new music style would make him famous. He worked with other big names like Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto to create this cool new sound.
Playing at Carnegie Hall
In 1962, Mendes played at a big bossa nova show at Carnegie Hall. This trip helped him work with famous jazz players and make his first American record, “The Swinger from Rio.”
Mendes moved to California in 1964 and started his most famous group, Brasil ’66. He added two women singers, Lani Hall and Bibi Vogel. This made a special sound that people loved.
“Mas Que Nada”: The Song Everyone Knew
The song “Mas Que Nada” appeared on the group’s debut album. This 1966 version of Jorge Ben Jor’s samba became Mendes’ biggest hit. People all over the world loved it, even though it was in Portuguese.
In 2006, Mendes worked with the Black Eyed Peas to make a new version of “Mas Que Nada.” This helped younger people discover the song.
Working with Others and Trying New Things
Mendes liked to work with different artists and mix music styles. He did covers of Beatles songs and made his own Brazilian songs like “Magalenha.”
Big Projects
- Made music for the movie “Pelé”
- Made an album with the famous soccer player Pelé
- Worked with stars like Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, and John Legend
Prizes and Awards
Mendes won many awards for his music:
- A Grammy Award in 1992 for Best World Music Album (“Brasileiro”)
- Two Latin Grammy Awards
- A chance to win an Oscar in 2012 for a song in the movie “Rio”
How He Changed Music and Culture
Sergio Mendes helped make Brazilian music popular all over the world. He made it easier for other Brazilian artists to become famous in other countries.
Last Shows and Passing
Mendes kept playing music until the end. His last shows in November 2023 were full in Paris, London, and Barcelona. He died with his wife of 54 years, Gracinha, next to him.
Remembering a Music Pioneer
We say goodbye to Sergio Mendes and celebrate how he brought joy and good rhythms to millions. He started in small clubs in Rio and ended up playing for people all over the world. This shows how music can connect everyone.
Sergio Mendes is gone, but his music stays with us. It still makes people happy, brings them together, and shares Brazil’s fun spirit with the world. His friend Herb Alpert said Mendes was “a true friend and very talented musician who brought Brazilian music to the whole world in a classy way.”
Let’s remember him by playing our favorite Mendes song and imagining we’re on a sunny beach in Rio. That’s what Sergio would want us to do.