On September 5, 2024, world-renowned Brazilian musician, Sergio Mendes, died at his residence in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 83. Mendes, a legendary pianist and bandleader, was globally recognized for his distinctive fusion of bossa nova and pop music.
The Mendes family announced his peaceful passing, stating that his wife and musical collaborator of 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was with him at the time, along with their children.
According to his family, Mendes’s health had been deteriorating due to long-term effects of COVID-19 in the months before his death. His last performances were in November 2023, where he entertained enthusiastic audiences in Paris, London, and Barcelona.
Mendes was born in 1941 in Niterói, Brazil. He started his musical career in the late 1950s, performing in nightclubs in Rio de Janeiro during the burgeoning bossa nova movement. Under the mentorship of bossa nova legend Antônio Carlos Jobim, Mendes quickly became a significant figure in Brazilian music.
His talent garnered international recognition in 1962 when he performed at the renowned Bossa Nova Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City. This event marked a significant turn in his career, leading to collaborations with jazz greats like Cannonball Adderley and Herbie Mann.
Relocating to California in 1964, Mendes formed Brasil ’66 and signed with A&M Records. The band, with its unique blend of Brazilian rhythms and American pop, gained international fame. Their rendition of Jorge Ben’s “Mas Que Nada” became Mendes’s signature song, and their versions of The Beatles’ “The Fool on the Hill” and Burt Bacharach’s “The Look of Love” also became hits.
During an interview, Mendes referred to “Mas Que Nada” as a divine blessing, stating that the song had played a crucial role in introducing Brazilian music to the world, thus creating avenues for the genre globally.
Throughout his seven-decade-long career, Mendes worked across genres, collaborating with diverse artists. He contributed to the James Bond franchise in the 1980s and collaborated with The Black Eyed Peas in 2006 to reimagine “Mas Que Nada” for a new generation.
Mendes’ exceptional contributions to music were recognized with numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards. He was also nominated for an Oscar in 2012 for “Real in Rio,” a song he co-wrote for the animated film “Rio.”
Despite his international acclaim, Mendes remained deeply connected to his Brazilian roots, often emphasizing the importance of sharing his culture through music. His final studio album, “In the Key of Joy,” released in 2020, showcased his enduring creativity with collaborations with contemporary artists.
Herb Alpert, the American musician who played a vital role in launching Mendes’ international career, paid a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, referring to Mendes as a brother from another country. He lauded Mendes’ friendship and musical talent, highlighting his role in introducing Brazilian music to global audiences.
As the news of Mendes’ death reached Brazil, many Brazilian musicians paid their respects. Legendary singer Milton Nascimento referred to Mendes as a beloved genius in an Instagram post, while singer-songwriter Marcos Valle remembered him as a pioneer in the bossa nova subgenre of samba jazz.
Mendes is survived by his wife, Gracinha, and their five children. His family plans a celebration of his life and music in the coming weeks, with details to be announced.
