Brazilian music legend Sérgio Mendes dies at 83
RIO DE JANEIRO — Sérgio Mendes, the Grammy-winning Brazilian musician whose hit “Mas Que Nada” 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.
“His wife and musical partner for the past 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was by his side, as were his loving children,” the statement Friday said. “Mendes last performed in November 2023 to sold out and wildly enthusiastic houses in Paris, London and Barcelona.”
His composition “Mas Que Nada” 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 “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,” trumpet player Herb Alpert wrote on Facebook, along with a photo from decades ago, sitting next to Mendes at the piano. “He was a true friend and extremely gifted musician who brought Brazilian music in all its iterations to the entire world with elegance.”
Mendes also composed the soundtrack for the film “Pelé,” 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 “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 will provide details regarding funeral and memorial services at a later date.
For people with opioid addiction, Medicaid overhaul comes with risks
More than a million Americans use Medicaid to get addiction treatments like methadone. But as states update their systems, some patients have lost coverage. Even a short gap can be life-threatening.
Rupert Murdoch is set to face his kids in court, with Fox News’ fate in the balance
The future of Fox News – and the rest of the Murdoch media empire – is at stake in a trial this week in Reno, Nevada. Rupert Murdoch wants to change his will to consolidate his eldest son’s power.
A celestial trifecta: What to know about Tuesday’s lunar eclipse
This month's harvest moon will not only coincide with a supermoon, but also with a blood moon and partial lunar eclipse.
When Wil was struggling with depression, a therapist said just the right thing
In 2014, Wil Davenport was being treated for depression at an inpatient mental health program. One day, his therapist issued a challenge that renewed his sense of purpose.
People who exercise have healthier belly fat, new study finds
Here's another good reason to keep exercising. A study finds people with obesity who exercise can store more fat under the skin instead of around their organs, which is much better for their health.
Her piano concert was six years in the making. Then Puerto Rico’s power went out
Puerto Rico’s unstable electric grid affects every sector of society, including the island’s rich cultural scene. An outage abruptly ended an emerging pianist’s recent concert, touching a nerve.
