Sérgio Mendes released more than 35 albums and was a legend of Brazilian music. Now the singer of the global hit “Mas que nada” is dead.
Brazilian music legend Sérgio Mendes has died in Los Angeles at the age of 83. The family announced this in a statement. Mendes was known for his mix of samba sounds and bossa nova rhythms. The song “Mas que nada” became a worldwide hit with him as the performer.
In recent months, Mendes has suffered from the effects of Covid disease, the family said. His wife and musical partner of the past 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, and his children were at his side when he died.
Mendes was born on February 11, 1941 in Niterói, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. He received classical piano training and began his career in music bars in the 1950s. He became one of the most important representatives of samba jazz. He lived in Los Angeles for about 60 years.
The pianist and jazz musician released 35 albums, the first of which was “Dance Moderno” in 1961. Mendes played alongside great musicians such as Tom Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes and Frank Sinatra. In his 60-year career, he won three Grammys and was nominated for an Oscar in 2012 for the song “Real in Rio”, part of the soundtrack to the animated film “Rio”.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
