Sadly, it is time to induct another musician into Rock and Roll Heaven even though he wasn't strictly a rock musician.
Sérgio Mendes, the king of bossa nova and Brazilian jazz music passed away yesterday at the age of 83. The cause of death was complications from long COVID.
Mendes released more than 35 albums, many of which went gold or platinum, won three Grammy awards and was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012 for the movie song "Real in Rio" Forced to flee from Brazil in 1964 during a military coup, he found success in the United States.
Here is a sampling of his music.
His cover of The Look of Love, a song from the movie Casino Royale. Dusty Springfield was nominated for an Academy Award for this song but Mendes and Brasil '66 performed it on the Academy Award telecast in April, 1968, helping to launch his mainstream music career in the United States.
Fool on the Hill, also from 1968.
Mas que Nada, originally recorded in the mid 1960's, was given a 2006 update featuring the Black-Eyed Peas.
Mendes toured with Herb Albert. Here is Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 being introduced by Herb Alpert and then singing Out of My Head. Sadly, the relationship was strained after Alpert married Lani Hall, one of Mendes' vocalists. Mendes accused Alpert of stealing Hall, who had been pursuing a solo career at that point, from his group.
I thought I would include a 1967 performance of Mas que Nada, introduced by Eartha Kitt.Why not end this tribute with Real in Rio?
RIP, Sergio Mendes.
...I remember him well.
ReplyDeleteSigh … I remember all of that music
ReplyDeleteI loved Mendes' music back in the day. He will forever be a part of my memories of young adulthood.
ReplyDeleteOh. I love his music. I will now go load his CDs into my player and enjoy his music while I make my lunch. Thanks for letting us know.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute. I was gong to do one for Monday, but I think I'll just point people here.
ReplyDeleteSad news.
ReplyDeleteSérgio Mendes’ music has left an indelible mark on the world, blending bossa nova and Brazilian jazz into timeless classics. His legacy will continue to inspire and bring joy to many generations to come.
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Yes, I saw the news about Sergio Mendes, the Brasilien legend, and felt very sad. I loved his music. He brought Bossa Nova to an international audience. Thanks, Alana for the videos that remind us of him.
ReplyDelete