Sérgio Mendes, Brazilian singer and pop artist, dead at 83

Sergio Mendes, the singer and songwriter who helped popularize bossa nova music in his native Brazil, died Thursday in Los Angeles. His family shared a statement with CNN.

Mendes was 83 years old.

"His wife and musical partner of the past 54 years, Grasinha Lupurae Mendes, was by his side, as were his loving children," his family's statement said.

They added that he had recently been struggling with complications from prolonged covid.

Mendes recorded more than 35 albums during his six-decade career. He last performed to crowds in Paris, London and Barcelona in 2023.

A quote from Mendes on his website reads: “There is a word in English that I love: happy accident. This is the story of my life."

Mendes was born in 1941 in Nitro, Brazil. According to his website, he studied classical music as a youth and became interested in jazz after hearing a Dave Brubeck record.

He played in trios and quartets with his band Brazil 66 before moving to the United States. Their Portuguese-language single 'Mas Que Nada' brought them success, along with the hit 'The Look of Love'.

Over the years, Mendes collaborated with a star-studded list of artists such as Herb Albert, Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones, Brett Bacharach and Stevie Wonder. Some of his other memorable songs include 'Scarborough Fair', 'Night and Day' and 'Never Gonna Let You Go'.

The 2020 documentary Sergio Mendes: Key to Happiness explored his career and work with other contemporary artists including will.i.am, Common and John Legend. In 2012, Mendes and Legend were nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song for "Real in Rio" from the animated film "Rio."

In an interview with NPR in 2020, Mendes noted the longevity of his career and his many musical contributions.

"I've been very fortunate to have had these experiences because it has enriched my life," Mendes said. Working with different people from different countries, from different cultures, I think helps you grow and learn new things. … I like it because you don't plan it; It's about the magic encounter. I think that's a beautiful thing in life."

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