RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Sergio Mendes, the renowned Brazilian musician whose 1966 hit “Mas Que Nada” catapulted him to global fame and launched a celebrated, Grammy-winning career, has passed away at the age of 83 after a prolonged battle with long COVID. His death was confirmed by his family in a statement released Thursday.


According to the statement, Mendes was surrounded by his wife and musical partner of 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, and their devoted children. Mendes’ last performances took place in November 2023, with sold-out shows in Paris, London, and Barcelona, where he was met with enthusiastic audiences.


Born in Niterói, a city neighboring Rio de Janeiro, Mendes began his musical journey studying classical music before immersing himself in jazz. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, he embraced Bossa Nova, joining its rise in Rio’s vibrant nightclub scene alongside Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto.


In 1962, Mendes traveled to New York for a Bossa Nova festival at Carnegie Hall. There, Cannonball Adderley invited him to collaborate on the album “Cannonball Adderley and The Bossa Rio Sextet,” which led to Mendes’ American debut with “The Swinger from Rio” under Atlantic Records.


Two years later, Mendes relocated to California, where he formed Brazil ’64, which evolved into Brazil ’66 with the addition of two female vocalists. The group’s debut album, produced by Herb Alpert, featured the groundbreaking “Mas Que Nada.” Originally released in 1963 by composer Jorge Ben Jor, Mendes’ updated version in 1966 gave the song a jazzier, more dynamic feel.


Mendes reflected on the creation of Brasil ’66 in a 2019 interview with The Guardian, noting how the addition of female vocalists Lani Hall and Bibi Vogel created a distinctive sound. “We recorded the song in Los Angeles with the band performing live,” he said.


“Mas Que Nada” became an international sensation, fueling the Brazilian music boom of the 1960s. In 2006, a modern version by the Black Eyed Peas topped U.S. charts, featuring on Mendes’ album “Timeless,” produced by will.i.am and including collaborations with Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, and John Legend.


“Sergio Mendes was my brother from another country,” trumpet player Herb Alpert wrote on Facebook, sharing a nostalgic photo of himself with Mendes. “He was a true friend and an extraordinarily talented musician who shared Brazilian music with the world with such grace.”


Mendes’ diverse catalog included everything from covers of the Beatles’ “The Fool on the Hill” and “With a Little Help from My Friends” to his own Brazilian chant, “Magalenha.” He also composed the soundtrack for the film “Pelé,” featuring saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, and produced an album recorded by the legendary Brazilian soccer player.


In 1992, Mendes won the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for “Brasileiro” and received two Latin Grammy Awards. He was also nominated for an Oscar in 2012 for Best Original Song for “Real in Rio” from the animated film “Rio.”


“Sergio Mendes’ music embodied the essence of Brazilian soul,” said pianist, singer, and songwriter Marcos Valle. Valle also noted Mendes’ pivotal role in paving the way for other Brazilian artists to gain international recognition.


Details regarding Mendes’ funeral and memorial services will be announced by his family at a later date.