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. His song “Mas que nada” was a worldwide hit.
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 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. IIn his 60-year career he released more than 35 albums 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”.