Astrud Gilberto, ‘Girl from Ipanema’ singer who helped bring bossa nova music mainstream, has died

CNN
—

Brazilian singer Astrud Gilberto, who became an international star after recording “The Girl From Ipanema” in his 20s, has died, a social media post on behalf of his granddaughter and son announced.

The cause of death was not immediately known. She was reportedly 83 years old.

“Today I’m here to share the sad news that my grandmother became a star and is next to my grandfather, Joao Gilberto. Astrud was the true girl who took bossa nova from Ipanema to the world.” Gilberto’s granddaughter Sophia said on her Instagram page in a statement translated from Portuguese by CNN.

Guitarist Paul Rich, who previously worked with Gilberto, posted a message on his Facebook page Tuesday from Gilberto’s son Marcelo, who played bass with his mother in the early ’80s.

“I just got word from her son Marcelo that Astrud Gilberto has passed away. He asked me to post this. The energy changed so many lives.Rest in peace from the girl who called her ‘Chief’,” Rich’s statement read.

Gilberto grew up in Rio de Janeiro and moved to the United States in the early 1960s, according to his official website.

In 1963, she was invited to record an album by then-husband Joao Gilberto and Stan Getz. To Gilberto’s surprise, she recorded a short verse in English without rehearsing, but it made her an international superstar, and her album won four Grammy Awards.

“The Girl From Ipanema” would go on to be covered countless times by music’s greats, from Eartha Kitt and Frank Sinatra to Cher and Amy Winehouse.

Gilberto has released at least 16 original albums since his 1964 debut Getz Au Go Go. Gilberto recorded the song for the soundtrack of the 1965 film The Deadly Affair, with music arranged by Quincy Jones.

Throughout the 1970s, Gilberto became known for his songwriting, releasing the albums Astrud Gilberto Now in 1972 and That Girl From Ipanema in 1977, the latter of which included “Fur The song titled “Away” included a duet with famous jazz musician Chet Baker. ”

The 1980s and 90s were a prolific time for the artist, forming sextets with various musicians, including his son Marcelo on bass, and touring around the world. She then released the critically acclaimed album Astrud Gilberto plus the James Last Orchestra in 1987.

Gilberto gained international notoriety once again when he partnered with British singer-songwriter George Michael, one of the best-selling musicians of all time. Their duet song “Desafinado” was released in her 1996 and Gilberto became known for introducing the bossa nova genre to pop music loving mainstream audiences.

Gilberto released his last album, Jungle, in 2002, the same year he was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame. In 2008, Latin Her Recording Her Academy awarded her her Lifetime Achievement Award.

Gilberto’s granddaughter Sophia said in a statement on Tuesday: “I love Astrud and will always love her. She has been the face and voice of bossa nova for most parts of the planet.” Tradd added, “It will forever be in our hearts.”