Deep Groove Encyclopedia

Sergio Mendes

Click below for a Sergio Mendes sample:

Pop/jazz bandleader Mendes may be the most popular Brazilian artist ever to hit the US market. His work with Brasil 66 garnered several major hits, such as "Mas Que Nada" and "Fool on the Hill." He is credited with helping to create the style of bossa nova in the early 1960s on LPs such as The Swinger From Rio and Voce Ainda Nao Ouviu Nada! A critical influence on these records was Antonio Carlos Jobim, one of the first of many Brazilian legends with whom Mendes would record.

Of most interest to soul fans is the New Brasil 77 LP, recorded after he left A&M for Elektra. Mendes had recorded versions of several Stevie Wonder tunes in the past, and Wonder showed his appreciation by writing "The Real Thing" for Mendes. The song is a much-loved mellow club groove that makes you wish they had collaborated more often. His largest hit was 1983's monster ballad "Never Gonna Let You Go."

Sergio Mendes' Deepest Grooves

Vintage 74 (Bell, 1974)
Several Stevie Wonder covers, including "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing."

Homecooking (Elektra, 1976)
An all-star lineup including Gilberto Gil, Louis Johnson and Harvey Mason supports Mendes on such tasty cuts as "Shakara" and "Sunny Day."

Sergio Mendes and the New Brasil '77 (Elektra, 1977)