The Sergio Mendes Band

The iconic sound of Sergio Mendes returns to the stage as Gracinha Leporace leads The Sergio Mendes Band in a spirited celebration of his life, joy, and musical legacy that spanned over 5 decades and 35 albums. Marking sixty years since the worldwide debut of Brasil ’66, this revitalized ensemble continues Mendes’ lifelong mission of sharing the vibrant rhythms and infectious soul of Brazilian music with audiences around the world.

With a sound that blends timeless Brazilian grooves with fresh arrangements and uplifting energy, The Sergio Mendes Band brings a renewed sense of celebration to every performance. Each note pays tribute to Mendes’ remarkable influence — a career that helped shape the global appreciation of Bossa Nova, Samba, and the unmistakable warmth of Brazilian culture.

Mendes started his career with 1961′s Dance Moderno and the groups Bossa Rio (featuring Gracinha Leporace) and the Sergio Mendes Trio. From the mid-1960s to the late ’70s, Mendes established his legendary status by taking numerous albums and singles to the top of the charts. But it was Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66 which sparked global stardom. Performing “The Look of Love” at the 1968 Oscars, their version went top 10, quickly followed by the hits “The Fool on the Hill” and “Scarborough Fair.” Enjoying immense popularity, Mendes added soul and funk to his jazz and pop, but always with a Brazilian rhythm. His earlier single, “Mas Que Nada,” marked the first time that a song sung entirely in Portuguese hit Billboard’s Pop chart in the U.S. Mendes’ signature mix of bossa nova/samba and his distinctive pop instrumentation features melodies with distinct sophistication and alluring sexiness that ultimately came to define Brazilian music for many music enthusiasts around the world.

In the ’80s, he scored with the No. 1 Adult Contemporary and pop top-10 hit “Never Gonna Let You Go.” And in 1992 Mendes was awarded his first Grammy® in the category of Best World Music for his album Brasileiro. He was also honored with two Latin Grammy® awards for Best Brazilian Record, Timeless (2006) and Bom Tempo (2010), which was also nominated for a 2010 Grammy® award.

Mendes’ innovation and versatility enabled him to collaborate with a wide a range of artists. In 2006, his Timeless album was a collaboration with contemporary pop, rock, urban and hip-hop artists, including Justin Timberlake, John Legend, and Black Eyed Peas—with a re-recording of his early gem “Mas Que Nada” alongside Gracinha Leporace, Mendes’ wife. 2008′s Encanto featured neo-soulster Ledisi and Spanish-language favorite Juanes.

In 2011, Mendes released his 39th album, Celebration: A Musical Journey, which represented his 50 years as a recording artist and included classics from his career as well as new recordings with Ivete Sangalo and Siedah Garrett, among them a remake of “The Fool on the Hill.” He also performed the classic at the 2011 MusiCares Gala Honoring Sir Paul McCartney.

Mendes’ iconic album: HERB ALPERT PRESENTS SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL ’66 was also inducted into the Grammy® Hall of Fame, joining Bruce Springsteen’s Born In The U.S.A., Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have A Dream” speech, the Rolling Stones’ Exile On Main St., and others in the 2012 class of historically significant recordings.
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