Everyone knew his song, “Mas que nada.” Now Mendes has died in Los Angeles surrounded by his loved ones.

DLNews Entertainment:

Los Angeles— The world has lost a true icon of Brazilian music. Sérgio Mendes, the samba legend whose infectious rhythms and melodic genius transcended generations, passed away at 83 in Los Angeles. His family announced the news in a heartfelt statement, sharing that Mendes had suffered in recent months due to complications from COVID-19. In his final moments, his devoted wife and musical partner of 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, and their children were by his side.

The Brazilian pianist and singer Sergio Mendes has died at the age of 83.

Born on February 11, 1941, in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Mendes was steeped in the rich traditions of samba and bossa nova from an early age. After receiving classical piano training, he ventured into Rio's vibrant music bars in the 1950s, where he began to lay the foundation of his legendary career. What started as a local passion would ultimately define a global musical movement.

A Career Spanning Six Decades and 35 Albums

Throughout his illustrious career, Mendes released 35 albums, beginning with *Dance Moderno* in 1961. His work connected him with music giants such as Tom Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, and Frank Sinatra. Mendes' ability to blend samba and bossa nova with jazz catapulted him to international stardom, allowing him to perform in renowned venues like Carnegie Hall and collaborate with some of the most excellent musicians of the 20th century.

In 2012, Mendes earned three Grammy Awards and even an Oscar nomination for the song "Real in Rio," which appeared on the animated film *Rio*soundtrack. He became a cultural ambassador of Brazil, introducing its music to new audiences worldwide.

The Timeless Magic of "Mas Que Nada"

Mendes' rendition of Mas Que Nada remains one of modern music history's most recognizable and celebrated songs. Initially penned by Jorge Ben Jor, Mendes' interpretation brought the infectious samba rhythms to the global stage. His 1966 formation of Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66, signed to A&M Records, marked a significant breakthrough. Their recording of *Mas Que Nada* became a worldwide sensation, embedding itself in the cultural fabric of both Brazil and beyond.

In 1998, Mas Que Nada experienced a revival when Nike featured the song in its legendary World Cup campaign. The Brazilian national football team dazzled fans at Rio Airport with irresistible samba beats. A younger generation rediscovered the track again in 2006 when The Black Eyed Peas released their hip-hop-infused version on the album Timeless.

Though Mendes rarely wrote the original lyrics, his unique arrangements and reimagining of classic Brazilian songs made them his own—none more so than "Mas Que Nada,” which will forever echo his name.

Sergio Mendes at a jazz festival in Vitoria, Spain, in 2006

A Lasting Legacy

Sérgio Mendes' music brought joy, rhythm, and soul to millions across the globe. He was more than just a musician—he was a cultural ambassador who bridged borders with the universal language of music. Mendes’ artistry, which effortlessly blended the traditional with the contemporary, will live on through the songs that made him an icon.

As his wife Gracinha and their family bid him farewell, the world will continue to dance to the rhythms he so lovingly gave us. His music, like the samba itself, is timeless. Sérgio Mendes, Obrigado.