Sergio Mendes, the Brazilian Grammy-winning musician whose hit “Mas que nada” made him a global legend, died after months of battling the effects of long COVID. He was 83 years old.
The death of the Brazilian pianist, composer, and arranger, which occurred on Thursday, was confirmed in a statement by his family.
“His wife and musical partner for the last 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was by his side, as were his beloved children,” the statement said. “Mendes last performed in November 2023 at sold-out and enthusiastic venues in Paris, London, and Barcelona.”
His composition “Mas que nada” was one of the songs that helped popularize the Brazilian musical genre bossa nova worldwide in the 1960s.
In 2006, a modern version of the song topped the charts in the United States, performed by Black Eyed Peas. It was included in their album “Timeless,” produced by will.i.am and featuring Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, and the Black Eyed Peas, among others.
“Sergio Mendes was my brother from another country,” wrote trumpeter Herb Alpert on Facebook, along with a decades-old photo of him sitting beside Mendes at the piano. “He was a true friend and an extremely talented musician who brought Brazilian music in all its forms to the world with elegance.”
Mendes also composed the soundtrack for the film “Pelé,” with saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, and even produced an album recorded by the legendary Brazilian soccer player.
Mendes won the Grammy Award in 1992 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.”
Mendes’ family said they would provide details about the funeral and memorial services at a later date.