Sérgio Mendes, the Brazilian bossa nova impresario who helped popularize the genre in the 1960s and toured with Herb Alpert and Frank Sinatra, has died.
The singer died “peacefully” on Thursday in Los Angeles, with his wife Gracinha Leporace Mendes and their children at his side, his family confirmed in a statement shared with The Times. He was 83.
The statement did not reveal the cause of death but said the singer’s health “had been affected by the effects of prolonged COVID.” Mendes “leaves us with an incredible musical legacy spanning over six decades of a unique sound,” the family said.
Mendes had a successful career spanning decades, dating back to his time in several Brazilian musical groups, including Brasil '66. With Brasil '66 and the support of trumpeter Alpert, Mendes helped bring Brazilian music to the general public.
“Mas Que Nada,” “Magalenha,” and “Never Gonna Let You Go” are among Mendes’ most popular songs. His last performance was in November 2023, with shows in Paris, London, and Barcelona.
“The family is processing this loss and more details regarding the funeral and memorial services will be provided at a later date,” the statement said.
This is a developing story.
