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Sérgio Mendes, Brazilian music legend and longtime LA resident, dies at 83
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Brazilian musician Sérgio Mendes sits for a portrait at home in Los Angeles on May 18, 2021.
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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 was in Los Angeles when he died. “Mendes last performed in November 2023 to sold out and wildly enthusiastic houses in Paris, London and Barcelona.”
Mendes' L.A. connection
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Sergio Mendes moved to Los Angeles in 1964. He spoke to LAist's AirTalk program in 2014 about his move to the city of Angels, and getting visited by record companies.
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"One of those visits were Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert," he said. "They were just starting A&M Records. And they heard the band and the songs, and they asked me if I would like to join A& M. So that was the first, most important door that was open to me."
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Mendes called the Hollywood Bowl "one of my favorite places, you know, on earth. "
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"It's such a special place," he said. "It's always a big joy for me to perform there."
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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.
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Listen to our interviews with Mendes
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• 11:17
2021 conversation with Mendes
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• 13:48
2014 conversation with Mendes
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