brazilian musician sergio mendes He has passed away, TMZ has learned. He died in Los Angeles.
Mendes is a world-famous Brazilian musician who has collaborated with jazz greats Herb Alpert and Cannonball Adderley during his nearly 60-year career.
He has won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for an Oscar in 2012 for co-writing the song “Real in Rio” with John Legend from the animated film Rio.
His world-famous band Brasil ’66 helped popularize bossa nova, a jazz samba style.
The 1966 “Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66” album went platinum and its chart-topping song “Mas que Nada” was later re-recorded with the Black Eyed Peas in 2006
Mendes is the subject of the 2020 documentary Sergio Mendes: Key to Joy. He began his career as a classical pianist before moving into Jazz and Boss Nova.
In 1961, he released his debut album, Dance Moderno, and his recordings with jazz musicians Cannonball Adderley and Herbie Mann received critical acclaim.
In 1967, his cover of Burt Bacharach’s “The Look of Love” was better than Dusty Springfield’s in the 1967 James Bond film “Casino Royale.” Dusty Springfield’s songs are more popular.
Sergio’s cause of death was not immediately announced. He is survived by his wife Gracinia Leborasa Brazilian singer. He also has 5 children.
Mendez was 83 years old.
