(September 6, 2024) He was a giant who excelled in so many areas of music, and became a part of our lives for an incredible six decades. Today we are sad to report the passing of the great Sérgio Mendes at age 83.
Born in Niterói, Brazil, in 1941, Mendes grew up surrounded by the rhythms of samba and the burgeoning bossa nova scene. As a young pianist, he was drawn to both classical music and jazz, ultimately weaving these influences into his own unique sound.
Mendes first gained international attention in the mid-1960s with his group, Brasil ’66. Their breakthrough came with the album Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66, featuring the hit single “Mas Que Nada,” which became a global sensation. The group’s lush harmonies, Mendes’ deft piano work, and the Brazilian rhythms captivated audiences worldwide, and they quickly became a staple of the ‘60s pop and jazz scene.
Mendes had another great run two decades later as he captured more modern pop and R&B elements in his music.. His 1983 album Sergio Mendes became a breakout moment in this new chapter, featuring the chart-topping hit “Never Gonna Let You Go,” a smooth, romantic ballad that climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Following this, Mendes continued to ride the wave of success throughout the decade with albums like Confetti (1984) and Brasil ’86 (1986) and the hits “Alibis” and “Take This Love.”
In the decades that followed, Mendes remained a vital force in music, collaborating with artists such as Stevie Wonder, will.i.am, and John Legend. His Grammy-winning album Timeless (2006) showed that Mendes was still as relevant as ever, seamlessly fusing his classic sound with modern pop and hip-hop elements.
The world today will certainly mourn the passing of this musical giant, even as we bask in six decades of his glorious music. Rest in peace, Sérgio Mendes.
