Sérgio Mendes: Biography, Facts and Career
Who is Sérgio Mendes? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.

Sérgio Santos Mendes (Brazilian Portuguese: [ˈsɛʁʒju ˈsɐ̃tuz ˈmẽdʒis]; 11 February 1941 – 5 September 2024) was a Brazilian musician. His career took off with worldwide hits by his band Brasil '66. He released 35 albums and was known for playing bossa nova, often mixed with funk. He was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2012 as a co-writer of "Real in Rio" from the animated film Rio. Mendes was primarily known in the United States, where his albums were recorded and where most of his touring took place. He was married to Gracinha Leporace, who performed with him from the early 1970s. Mendes collaborated with many artists, including Black Eyed Peas, with whom he re-recorded in 2006 a remake of his 1966 version of the song "Mas que nada", which was a breakthrough hit for him.
Quick facts about Sérgio Mendes
- Full name: Sérgio Mendes
- Born: 1941-02-11
- Nationality: Brazil
- Known as: Musician
- Wikidata ID: Q337359
Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Sérgio Mendes?
Sérgio Santos Mendes (Brazilian Portuguese: [ˈsɛʁʒju ˈsɐ̃tuz ˈmẽdʒis]; 11 February 1941 – 5 September 2024) was a Brazilian musician. His career took off with worldwide hits by his band Brasil '66.
What nationality is Sérgio Mendes?
Sérgio Mendes is Brazil.
When was Sérgio Mendes born?
Sérgio Mendes was born on 1941-02-11.



