Sérgio Mendes

Sérgio Santos Mendes (born February 11, 1941 in Niteròi Rio de Janeiro–died September 5, 2024 in Los Angeles) was a Brazilian pianist, composer, arranger and bandleader. He has over 55 releases, and played bossa nova heavily crossed with jazz and funk. He was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2012 as co-writer of the song "Real in Rio" from the animated film Rio. Mendes was a unique example of a Brazilian musician primarily known in the United States, where his albums were recorded and where most of his touring took place. He died while dealing with the effects of long COVID-19.