Bossa nova legend João Gilberto has died. While a cause of has not yet been revealed, his son confirmed the Brazilian musician's passing via a Facebook post on Saturday (July 6). Gilberto was 88.
According to João Gilberto's son, Marcelo Gilberto, his father died at home in Rio de Janeiro after a period of illness.
"His fight was noble, he tried to maintain dignity," Marcelo Gilberto wrote [via the BCC].
João Gilberto was born in Bahia, Brazil, in 1931 and began his life in music at a young age. In 1959, Gilberto released his now-classic debut album Chega De Saudade — a musical game-changer that helped bring alive the bossa nova genre.
Among Gilberto's many classic works was his hugely successful album with jazz musician Stan Getz, 1964's Getz / Gilberto, which included the timeless hit "The Girl from Ipanema."
Besides working with Getz, Gilberto also collaborated with Herbie Mann, as well as fellow Brazilian musical heroes like Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil.
Gilberto released his last studio album, João Voz E Violão, in 2000.
According to João Gilberto's son, Marcelo Gilberto, his father died at home in Rio de Janeiro after a period of illness.
"His fight was noble, he tried to maintain dignity," Marcelo Gilberto wrote [via the BCC].
João Gilberto was born in Bahia, Brazil, in 1931 and began his life in music at a young age. In 1959, Gilberto released his now-classic debut album Chega De Saudade — a musical game-changer that helped bring alive the bossa nova genre.
Among Gilberto's many classic works was his hugely successful album with jazz musician Stan Getz, 1964's Getz / Gilberto, which included the timeless hit "The Girl from Ipanema."
Besides working with Getz, Gilberto also collaborated with Herbie Mann, as well as fellow Brazilian musical heroes like Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil.
Gilberto released his last studio album, João Voz E Violão, in 2000.