By Cynthia Charlene Greeson

FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS

Sérgio Santos Mendes (Brazilian Portuguese: [ˈsɛʁʒju ˈsɐ̃tuz ˈmẽdʒis]; February 11, 1941 – September 5, 2024) was a Brazilian musician. His career took off with worldwide hits by his band Brasil ’66. He had over 55 releases and was known for playing bossa nova, often crossed with funk. He was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2012 as co-writer of the song “Real in Rio” from the animated film Rio.

Mendes was primarily known in the United States, where his albums were recorded and where most of his touring took place. He was married to Gracinha Leporace, who performed with him from the early 1970s. Mendes collaborated with many artists, including the Black Eyed Peas, with whom he re-recorded in 2006 a version of his 1966 breakthrough hit “Mas que Nada“.

Mendes died from complications of long COVID at a hospital in Los Angeles, on September 5, 2024, at the age of 83.