 I’ve just learned that Sérgio Mendes has died. He was 83 (way too early to go!) and passed away after suffering from the effects of long Covid. I was a big fan!
Mendes was a marvelous musical talent. One of the most successful Brazilian artists of all time, he was a pianist, songwriter, arranger and bandleader whose career started with the 1960s bossa nova boom. “His success was based on his skill in matching Brazilian songs and rhythms against different western styles, from jazz and rock to funk and hip hop,” stated an online obituary. It’s true: from recording in the 1960s with jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley… right up to collaborating in 2006 with will.i.am and other members of the rap group Black Eyed Peas, Sergio managed to escape the “rules” that hold too many artists in place. One of my favorite recordings of all times, “So Many Stars”, features a wonderful tune written by Sergio with lyrics by my favorite writers Marilyn and Alan Bergman (I was thrilled to interview Alan for my book about Ruth Lowe). The song’s on Sergio’s early album for A&M Records, “Sergio Mendes and Brazil ’66: Look Around”. Listen to Lani Hall’s brilliant vocal, along with Sergio’s backing, on this YouTube selection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3x6R6iNxXU RIP Sergio!
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