RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) 鈥� Sergio Mendes, the Grammy-winning Brazilian musician whose hit 鈥淢as Que Nada鈥� made him a global legend, has died after months battling the effects of long COVID. He was 83.
The death Thursday of the Brazilian pianist, songwriter and arranger was confirmed in a statement by his family.
鈥淗is wife and musical partner for the past 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was by his side, as were his loving children,鈥� the statement Friday said. 鈥淢endes last performed in November 2023 to sold out and wildly enthusiastic houses in Paris, London and Barcelona.鈥�
His composition 鈥淢as que Nada鈥� 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 in his album 鈥淭imeless,鈥� produced by will.i.am and featuring Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake and the Black Eyed Peas, among others.
鈥淪ergio Mendes was my brother from another country,鈥� trumpet player Herb Alpert wrote on Facebook, along with a photo from decades ago, sitting next to Mendes at the piano. 鈥淗e was a true friend and extremely gifted musician who brought Brazilian music in all its iterations to the entire world with elegance.鈥�
Mendes also composed the soundtrack for the film 鈥淧el茅,鈥� featuring saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, and even produced an album recorded by the Brazilian legendary soccer player.
Mendes won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for 鈥淏rasileiro鈥� and two Latin Grammy Awards. He also received an Oscar nomination in 2012 for Best Original Song for 鈥淩eal in Rio,鈥� from the animated film 鈥淩io.鈥�
Mendes鈥� family said they will provide details regarding funeral and memorial services at a later date.
David Biller And Gabriela S谩 Pessoa, The Associated Press
