Sergio Mendes, Brazilian singer, dies following long COVID battle
Sergio Mendes attends Reel To Reel: Sergio Mendes: In The Key Of Joy at The GRAMMY Museum on March 11, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Credit: Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
Sergio Mendes, a Grammy-winning Brazilian musician with international fame, has died. He was 83 years old.
The musician’s family confirmed the news Friday of Mendes’ passing.
"His wife and musical partner for the past 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was by his side, as were his loving children," they said in a statement to The Associated Press. "Mendes last performed in November 2023 to sold out and wildly enthusiastic houses in Paris, London and Barcelona."
Mendes died on Thursday following months battling the effects of long COVID.
His Grammy-winning Brazilian musician hit "Mas Que Nada" made him a global legend and was one of the songs that helped popularize the Brazilian music genre bossa nova worldwide in the 1960s.
In 2006, a modern version of the song topped U.S. charts, as performed by Black Eyed Peas. It was included on his album "Timeless," produced by will.i.am and featuring Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake and the Black Eyed Peas, among others.
Mendes won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for "Brasileiro" and two Latin Grammy Awards. He also received an Oscar nomination in 2012 for Best Original Song for "Real in Rio," from the animated film "Rio."
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"Sergio Mendes was my brother from another country," trumpet player Herb Alpert wrote on Facebook, along with a photo from decades ago, sitting next to Mendes at the piano. "He was a true friend and extremely gifted musician who brought Brazilian music in all its iterations to the entire world with elegance."
Mendes’ family said they will provide details regarding funeral and memorial services at a later date.