Bossa Nova King Sergio Mendez Dies Of COVID At 83

The New York Times reports:

Sergio Mendes, the Brazilian-born pianist, composer and arranger who brought bossa nova music to a global audience in the 1960s through his ensemble, Brasil ’66, and remained a force in popular music for more than six decades, died on Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 83.

His family said in a statement that his death, in a hospital, was caused by long Covid. Mr. Mendes released nearly 35 albums, won three Grammys and was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012 for best original song (as co-writer of “Real in Rio,” from the animated film “Rio”).

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