Sergio Mendes, the Brazilian pianist and bandleader recognized for his unique fusion of bossa nova and pop music, has died at the age of 83. Mendes passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles, California home on September 5, 2024.
In a statement released by the Mendes family, they announced that he was surrounded by his wife of 54 years and musical partner, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, and his children at the time of his passing.
The family also disclosed that Mendes’ last performances were in November 2023 to sold-out audiences in Paris, London, and Barcelona. They revealed he had been battling health problems due to the long-term effects of COVID-19 in the months leading to his death.
Mendes was born in Niterói, Brazil, in 1941 and started his musical career in the late 1950s in Rio de Janeiro just as the bossa nova movement was gaining ground. Under the mentorship of bossa nova legend Antônio Carlos Jobim, Mendes rapidly became a significant figure within the Brazilian music scene.
His performance at the famous Bossa Nova Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1962 garnered international recognition. This breakthrough led to collaborations with jazz icons such as Cannonball Adderley and Herbie Mann.
In 1964, Mendes relocated to California and formed the group Brasil ’66, which signed with A&M Records. The band’s innovative fusion of Brazilian rhythms with American pop sensibilities propelled them to global fame.
The group’s success skyrocketed with their rendition of Jorge Ben’s “Mas Que Nada,” which became Mendes’ signature song. They continued to produce a series of hits, including their versions of The Beatles’ “The Fool on the Hill” and Burt Bacharach’s “The Look of Love.”
Mendes once stated in an interview that he regarded “Mas Que Nada” as a divine gift, as the song played a crucial role in introducing Brazilian music to a global audience, creating new opportunities for the music genre.
Throughout his career spanning seven decades, Mendes consistently evolved his sound and worked with a variety of artists across genres. In the 1980s, he contributed to the James Bond franchise by working on the title song for “Never Say Never Again.”
In the early 2000s, Mendes collaborated with contemporary artists like The Black Eyed Peas in 2006, revitalizing “Mas Que Nada” for a younger audience.
Mendes’ significant contributions to music were recognized with numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards. In 2012, he was nominated for an Oscar for “Real in Rio,” a song he co-wrote with Carlinhos Brown and Siedah Garrett for the animated movie “Rio.”
Regardless of his international success, Mendes remained deeply tied to his Brazilian roots and often expressed the importance of sharing his culture through music.
Mendes’ final studio album, “In the Key of Joy,” released in 2020, showcases his enduring creativity and features collaborations with contemporary artists.
Herb Alpert, an American musician who played a crucial role in Mendes’ international career, referred to Mendes as a brother from another country in a heartfelt Instagram tribute accompanied by a photo of them in a recording studio.
Alpert’s message praised Mendes’ exceptional musical talent and genuine friendship and acknowledged his significant contribution to introducing various forms of Brazilian music to global audiences.
Other renowned Brazilian musicians expressed their respect and memories as news of Mendes’s death spread in Brazil.
Legendary singer Milton Nascimento paid a touching tribute on Instagram, wishing peace for the beloved genius and assuring that Mendes would remain forever in his heart. Singer-songwriter Marcos Valle remembered Mendes as a pioneer of the bossa nova subgenre of samba jazz during the 1960s.
Mendes is survived by his wife Gracinha and their five children. His family has announced plans to celebrate his life and music in the coming weeks, with more details to be shared later.