Mendes passed away on Thursday in Los Angeles, with his family confirming the news. Sergio Mendes, the acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger who significantly shaped the sound of Brazilian music on the global stage, has died at the age of 83. Mendes passed away on Thursday in Los Angeles, with his family confirming the news.
While the cause of death was not disclosed, it is known that Mendes had been struggling with the effects of long-term COVID, according to Variety. In a statement shared with the media and reported by Variety, Mendes' family expressed their sorrow, noting that he "passed away peacefully" in his home city, surrounded by his wife of 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, and their children. They highlighted that Mendes had last performed in November 2023, delighting audiences in Paris, London, and Barcelona.
His recent health challenges, attributed to long-term COVID, had been a concern for several months. Herb Alpert, a longtime friend and collaborator, paid tribute to Mendes on social media, describing him as a "true friend and extremely gifted musician" who "brought Brazilian music in all its iterations to the entire world with elegance and joy." Mendes was a pioneering force in Brazilian music long before its contemporary resurgence through artists like Bad Bunny and Rosalia.
Sergio Mendes was a pivotal figure in bringing Brazilian sounds to a wider audience. He first gained prominence as part of Antonio Carlos Jobim's band and later with his own group,.