What's happened
Sérgio Mendes, the renowned Brazilian musician who popularized bossa nova globally, passed away at 83 on September 5, 2024, after battling long COVID. Mendes's legacy includes the hit 'Mas Que Nada' and collaborations with major artists like the Black Eyed Peas and Stevie Wonder.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Mendes's death was confirmed by his family, who noted he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Sky News highlighted Mendes's significant collaborations, including his Grammy-winning work and his influence on the bossa nova genre. The Independent emphasized Mendes's role in popularizing Brazilian music, particularly through his hit 'Mas Que Nada.' The New York Times noted his sophisticated musical style and the impact of his ensemble, Brasil '66, on the music scene.
How we got here
Mendes's career spanned over six decades, beginning in the 1960s during the bossa nova boom. He became a prominent figure in music, blending Brazilian rhythms with various genres and achieving international acclaim.
Common question
-
What is the legacy of Sergio Mendes, the Bossa Nova icon?
Sergio Mendes, a celebrated figure in the world of music, has left an indelible mark on the bossa nova genre and popular music as a whole. His recent passing at the age of 83 has sparked renewed interest in his contributions and collaborations. What made Mendes a pivotal figure in music history? Here are some common questions about his life, career, and lasting influence.
More on these topics
-
Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At 8.5 million square kilometers and with over 211 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area and the sixth most
-
Sérgio Santos Mendes is a Brazilian musician. He has over 55 releases, and plays bossa nova heavily crossed with jazz and funk. He was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2012 as co-writer of the song "Real in Rio" from the animated film Rio
-
Rio de Janeiro, or simply Rio, is anchor to the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area and the second-most populous municipality in Brazil and the sixth-most populous in the Americas.
-
William James Adams Jr., known professionally as will.i.am, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is the founding and lead member of the musical group Black Eyed Peas.