Producer, composer, pianist, and song interpreter, Sérgio Mendes passed away at 83. The legendary artist, whose career spanned over three dozen albums released over six decades, helped create the modern sound of Brazilian pop crossover thanks to hits like “Mas Que Nada” and “Magalenha.”
He died at home in Los Angeles on Thursday (September 5), surrounded by his family, according to a post by former record label chief and friend Herb Alpert, who stated that Sérgio had been battling complications from a long COVID infection.
Starting in his teenage years, Sérgio — who was born on February 11, 1941, in Rio de Janeiro — dreamed of becoming a classical pianist when he was influenced by the bubbling bossa nova explosion in the late 1950s. 
He honed his skills playing in clubs and performing with his bossa nova mentors, Antônio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto, before forming his first band, the Sexteto Bossa Rio, with whom he released his debut album in 1961, ‘Dance Moderno.’
Sérgio and his band quickly jumped from the clubs of Rio to New York, where they played at the first bossa nova festival at Carnegie Hall, followed by a quick stint at the iconic jazz club Birdland in 1962. This visit led to an impromptu set with the legendary saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, resulting in the 1963 album ‘Cannonball,’ which featured a mix of sambas with jazz touches with Sérgio on piano.
His career in America took off in 1966 with Brasil ’66 and the single “Mas Que Nada,” written by Brazilian singer-songwriter Jorge Ben. The group incorporated a contemporary adult style from the 1960s, which contrasted sharply with the rising youth culture that came to dominate the pop charts in the wake of the Beatles.
From there, Sérgio captivated audiences and continued to collaborate, resulting in several hits.
In 2020, his last studio album, ‘In the Key of Joy,’ won a Grammy. Additionally, he is a two-time Latin Grammy winner and was nominated for an Oscar in 2012 for his theme song from the animated film “Rio,” “Real in Rio.” Sérgio is also the subject of the 2020 documentary “Sérgio Mendes: In the Key of Joy.”
Sérgio’s last performances took place in November 2023 during a series of shows in Paris, London, and Barcelona.
He is survived by his wife, Gracinha Leporace, his two sons, Tiago and Gustavo; three children from his first marriage, Bernardo, Rodrigo, and Isabella; and seven grandchildren.
Sources: Billboard and The New York Times