Sérgio Mendes, the Brazilian pianist, songwriter, Latin music legend, and arranger whose 1966 hit "Mas Que Nada" catapulted him to international fame, has died at 83. The Grammy-winning musician passed away after a prolonged struggle with the effects of long COVID, his family confirmed.
Mendes is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, and their children.
Who was Sérgio Mendes?
Mendes' career spanned over six decades, with his work embodying a unique blend of bossa nova, samba, and jazz that brought Brazilian music to a global audience. Born in Niterói, a city near Rio de Janeiro, he began his musical journey studying classical piano at a conservatory. However, as the bossa nova movement gained momentum in Rio's nightclub scene, Mendes found himself drawn to the rhythm of Brazil. He collaborated with legendary artists like Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto, solidifying his place in the genre.
In 1962, Mendes performed at the iconic Bossa Nova festival at Carnegie Hall, marking his entry into the American music scene. Shortly after, jazz legend Cannonball Adderley invited him to work on an album, which led to Mendes' debut U.S. record "The Swinger from Rio". In 1966, he formed Brasil '66, a group that delivered his breakthrough hit *"Mas Que Nada,"* a samba tune originally composed by Jorge Ben. Mendes' rendition, with its jazzy, upbeat tempo, became an instant success worldwide, cementing his status as a key figure in Brazilian music.
Mendes' collaboration with Herb Alpert, who produced Brasil '66's debut album, further amplified his reach. "Mas Que Nada" gained renewed popularity in 2006 when Mendes collaborated with The Black Eyed Peas on a modernized version of the track, featured on his album "Timeless." The updated version topped U.S. charts and introduced his music to a younger generation. Mendes continued to work with other renowned artists like Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, and John Legend, expanding his musical influence.
Over the years, Mendes' contributions went beyond individual hits. His eclectic body of work included covers of The Beatles' "The Fool on the Hill" and "With a Little Help from My Friends," as well as his own compositions, such as "Magalenha," which became an essential part of his live performances. Mendes also composed the soundtrack for the 1977 film "Pelé" and produced an album recorded by the legendary Brazilian soccer player.
His influence on world music earned him numerous accolades, including a Grammy for Best World Music Album in 1992 for "Brasileiro." He also won two Latin Grammy Awards and was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012 for "Real in Rio," a song featured in the animated film "Rio".
Beyond his achievements, Mendes opened doors for countless Brazilian artists by introducing the world to the bossa nova sound. Fellow musician Marcos Valle praised Mendes for paving the way for future generations of Brazilian musicians to gain recognition abroad.
Sérgio Mendes' family has yet to announce details regarding his memorial service, but his legacy is sure to live on through the countless recordings, performances, and collaborations that defined his career. As fans and artists around the world mourn his loss, Mendes' contributions to music and his ability to bring Brazilian culture to the global stage will continue to resonate.
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