Sérgio Mendes sent Brazil’s party spirit out into the world
The pianist, arranger and bandleader died on September 5th, aged 83
Over many years he had grown accustomed to the things they liked to say. That his music was “lounge”, lift, airport, cruise-liner, burbling across the aisles as shoppers debated what to buy. That it had no focus, structure or meaning, and was “easy listening” in a nutshell. Sérgio Mendes simply didn’t care. He took “easy” as a compliment, meaning the melodies were strong, and would merely flash his sunny, slightly buck-tooth smile and hunch at his piano to give them more.
Explore more
This article appeared in the Obituary section of the print edition under the headline “Sérgio Mendes”
Obituary September 14th 2024
More from Obituary
Peter Fenwick became the world expert on near-death experiences
The neuropsychiatrist and promoter of “the art of dying” died on November 22nd, aged 89
Chiung Yao taught the Chinese all about romantic love
The bestselling novelist and screenwriter died on December 4th, aged 86
Jimmy Carter was perhaps the most virtuous of all America’s presidents
The humble peanut farmer who went to the White House died on December 29th, aged 100
Brother Harold Palmer lived alone in the wilds by choice
The Northumbrian hermit died on October 4th, aged 93
Shalom Nagar was picked by lottery to kill Adolf Eichmann
The Israeli prison officer turned ritual slaughterer died on November 26th, aged 88
John Kinsel used his own language to fool the Japanese
One of the last Navajo code-talkers died on October 19th, aged 107