Death of a Brazilian icon
TMZ in the US is reporting the death at 83 of Sérgio Mendes, the Brazilian pianist, composer, and bandleader who brought the vibrant sounds of bossa nova and Brazilian jazz to a global audience. TMZ says: ''Sérgio's cause of death was not immediately released. He's survived by his wife, Gracinha Leporace, a Brazilian singer. He also had 5 children.''
His passing marks the end of an era for Latin American music, as Mendes was one of the last living legends from the bossa nova movement of the 1960s.
Known for his infectious melodies, innovative fusion of Brazilian rhythms with American pop & jazz, and his ability to reinvent himself across decades, Mendes leaves behind a legacy that spans over 55 albums and countless hit songs.
Born on February 11, 1941, in Niterói, Brazil he began as a classical pianist before being drawn to the emerging bossa nova scene in Rio de Janeiro.
As a teenager, he formed his first jazz combos, playing in clubs around Niterói and Rio, where he absorbed the latest jazz and contemporary sounds.
International breakthrough
Mendes' international breakthrough came in 1966 with the formation of his group Brasil '66 and the release of their debut album Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66. The album's standout track, a cover of Jorge Ben's 'Mas Que Nada' became Mendes' signature song.
'Fool on the Hill'
The beginning of a prolific period for Mendes, during which he released multiple gold records he became the best-selling Brazilian artist in the United States in the 1960s.
The success of Brasil '66 was built on Mendes' formula of reimagining popular songs through a Brazilian lens, coupled with the group's distinctive vocal harmonies.
Albums such as Equinox (1967) and Look Around (1968) continued this trend, with the latter featuring their biggest pop hit, a bossa nova rendition of The Beatles' 'Fool on the Hill'.
Mendes' arrangements often transformed well-known tunes into sun-soaked, Latin-infused gems that resonated with a broad audience, bridging cultural and musical divides.
Despite criticism from purists who accused him of diluting Brazilian music for mainstream tastes, Mendes' popularity soared throughout the late-1960s and early-1970s.
His music became synonymous with a sophisticated, cosmopolitan sound that epitomised the era's fascination with international flavours.
As musical trends shifted, Mendes found himself exploring new directions to maintain his relevance.
The 1970s saw Mendes experimenting with different styles, as evidenced by the 1973 album Primal Roots, which delved into folk, jazz, and traditional Brazilian music.
While his commercial success in the United States waned during this period, he maintained a strong following in Europe, Japan, and Latin America. This decade of exploration allowed Mendes to refine his craft and set the stage for future comebacks.
Top 10 hit
In 1983, Mendes staged a remarkable return to the US charts with his self-titled album Sergio Mendes, which featured the Top 10 hit 'Never Gonna Let You Go'. This resurgence demonstrated Mendes's enduring appeal and his ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes without losing his essential Brazilian flair. It also reaffirmed his status as a versatile artist capable of bridging different eras of popular music.
Critical acclaim
The 1990s brought renewed critical acclaim for Mendes, culminating in his 1992 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album with Brasileiro.
This album showcased Mendes' return to more traditional Brazilian sounds, albeit with a contemporary production that appealed to a new generation of world music enthusiasts.
The Grammy win was a testament to Mendes' artistic integrity and his continued relevance in the global music scene.
As the new millennium dawned, Mendes once again reinvented himself, collaborating with a new generation of artists.
His 2006 album Timeless produced by will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas featured a star-studded lineup including John Legend, Justin Timberlake, and India.Arie.
New younger audience
The album's reinterpretation of 'Mas Que Nada' with The Black Eyed Peas introduced his music to a new, younger audience and demonstrated his timeless appeal.
Throughout his career, Mendes received numerous accolades, including a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 and multiple Grammy nominations.
His music featured in various films and television shows, further cementing his place in popular culture. In 2012, he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song for 'Real in Rio' from the animated film Rio.
Photo: Wikipedia
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