Music world mourns loss of legends: Sergio Mendes (83) and Herbie Flowers (86) pass away
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In a sombre turn of events, the music world is mourning the loss of two legendary figures—a Grammy Award-winning musician and a legendary bassist.
Their extraordinary contributions to the industry have left an indelible mark on countless hearts and ears worldwide.
Their timeless tunes and unparalleled artistry will forever be remembered, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift.
Sergio Mendes, the Grammy Award-winning Brazilian musician whose work transcended genres and generations, passed away at 83.
His death, which occurred after a battle with the long-term effects of COVID-19, has left fans and fellow musicians around the globe in mourning.
On Friday, September 6, the family confirmed in a statement that the Brazilian pianist, songwriter, and arranger had passed away on Thursday, September 5.
According to the statement, ‘His wife and musical partner for the past 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was by his side, as were his loving children.’
‘Mendes last performed in November 2023 to sold out and wildly enthusiastic houses in Paris, London and Barcelona.’
Sergio Mendes's journey began in Niterói, a city that shares its vibrant culture with Rio de Janeiro. His passion for music was evident from a young age, leading him to study classical music at a conservatory.
However, it was his transition to jazz and later Bossa Nova that marked the beginning of an illustrious career.
Bossa Nova, a genre that blends samba and jazz, was gaining popularity in the nightclubs of Rio, and Mendes was at the forefront alongside legends like Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto.
In 1962, Mendes's talent took him to New York for a Bossa Nova festival at Carnegie Hall, a pivotal moment that would introduce his sound to an international audience.
During the trip, Cannonball Adderley invited Mendes to collaborate on the album Cannonball Adderley And The Bossa Rio Sextet, which led to his first American record, ‘The Swinger From Rio’, after signing with Atlantic Records.
But it was the formation of Brazil ‘64, later known as Brazil ‘66, that brought Mendes's music into the hearts of a global audience.
The group's debut album, produced by Herb Alpert, featured the hit ‘Mas Que Nada’. This song, sung entirely in Portuguese, was a 1963 Jorge Ben Jor composition that Mendes transformed into a jazz-infused samba that resonated with listeners worldwide.
‘I put a band together called Brasil ‘66,’ he said in 2019.
‘I’d always had instrumental groups, but when I added the two female singers, Lani Hall and Bibi Vogel, it made a different kind of sound.’
‘We recorded the song in Los Angeles, with me, the drums, bass and guitar all performing live,’ Mendes added.
Mendes's influence extended far beyond the 1960s. In 2006, his collaboration with the Black Eyed Peas brought ‘Mas Que Nada’ back to the top of the charts, introducing his sound to a new generation.
His album Timeless, produced by will.i.am, featured collaborations with contemporary artists like Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, and John Legend, showcasing his enduring relevance in the music industry.
‘Sergio Mendes was my brother from another country,’ trumpet player Alpert wrote on social media, sharing an old photo of himself sitting next to Mendes at the piano.
‘He was a true friend and extremely gifted musician who brought Brazilian music in all its iterations to the entire world with elegance.’
Mendes' other hits featured an eclectic mix, including covers of the Beatles’ ‘The Fool On The Hill’ and ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’, as well as his own Brazilian chant, ‘Magalenha’.
He also composed the soundtrack for the film Pelé, which featured saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, and produced an album recorded by the renowned Brazilian soccer player.
Mendes won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for Brasileiro and received two Latin Grammy Awards.
Additionally, he earned an Oscar nomination in 2012 for Best Original Song for ‘Real In Rio’ from the animated film Rio.
‘Brazilian soul was there,’ pianist, singer, and songwriter Marcos Valle said about Mendes’s music.
He also remarked that Mendes played a crucial role in opening doors for his generation of Brazilian artists, including himself, to connect with international audiences.
Mendes' family announced that they would share details about the funeral and memorial services at a later date.
Meanwhile, the music industry has lost another of its unsung heroes with the passing of Herbie Flowers, the masterful bassist whose work has resonated through generations.
At the age of 86, Flowers left behind a legacy that is as profound as it is melodious, having contributed to some of the most iconic tracks in pop and rock history.
Herbie Flowers' bassline in Lou Reed's ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ is etched into the annals of music history, a riff that is as recognisable as it is hauntingly beautiful.
It's a testament to his talent that this particular bassline continues to captivate listeners decades after its release; however, Flowers' influence extends far beyond this single track.
Throughout his illustrious career, Flowers played with a veritable who's who of the music world, including David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Paul McCartney, Bryan Ferry, and Elton John.
His family confirmed his passing on social media, leaving fans and fellow musicians to mourn the loss of a true great.
Tim Burgess, the lead singer of the Charlatans, expressed his farewell to Flowers, ‘Farewell Herbie Flowers, he made the greats sound greater.’
The estate of David Bowie also paid tribute, noting that Flowers' extensive body of work over the years was too vast to enumerate.
‘Aside from his incredible musicianship over many decades, he was a beautiful soul and a very funny man. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,’ it said.
‘Ah, d***. RIP Herbie Flowers. So many great basslines—imagine having played on “Space Oddity”, “Walk on the Wild Side”, and “Rock On”,’ Suede’s bassist Mat Osman remarked.
Born in Isleworth in 1938, Flowers began his career in the 1960s as a session musician, quickly becoming a sought-after talent for producers like Shel Talmy, Mickie Most, and Tony Visconti.
In 1969, he co-founded the band Blue Mink, which achieved chart success with songs like ‘Melting Pot’ and ‘The Banner Man’.
As a highly sought-after bass player, Flowers created one of the most iconic hooks for ‘Walk on the Wild Side’, featuring a brilliant, instantly recognisable ascending and descending twang.
Despite this, Flowers remained modest about his contribution, saying, ‘People have often suggested that I should have got writer’s credits, but I just helped put an arrangement together.’
‘Lou had the chords written out on a piece of paper and my job was to come up with the bass line.’
In another interview, he said, ‘You do the job and get your a*** away. You take a £12 fee; you can’t play a load of b*******.’
Flowers reportedly recorded over 20,000 sessions, working with artists such as Dusty Springfield, George Harrison, Serge Gainsbourg, and David Essex.
However, Flowers' career was not limited to session work. Another notable achievement was co-writing the 1970 hit novelty song ‘Grandad’.
According to reports, this happened after he met Clive Dunn at a party. Dunn, a household name due to Dad’s Army, challenged him to write a song for him.
Flowers was part of the final lineup of T. Rex just before Marc Bolan's death, appearing on the band's last album, 1977’s Dandy in the Underworld, and Bolan's Marc TV show.
In the late 1970s, Flowers founded the instrumental prog rock band Sky, recording and performing with them until 1995, when they released seven albums.
His discography also includes Bryan Ferry’s The Bride Stripped Bare, Paul McCartney’s Give My Regards to Broad Street, and Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of the War of the Worlds.
Kevin J Conklin, the husband of Flowers’ niece, Lorraine Bassett, also paid tribute to the legendary musician.
‘While we knew and loved him as Uncle Herbie, his musical contributions have likely touched your lives as well,’ he wrote on social media.
‘He played bass on many of the songs from the golden age of rock…We’ll miss you, Uncle Herbie! Rock on.’
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sergio Mendes and Herbie Flowers’ family, friends, and relatives in this difficult time. May they rest in peace.
Members, how has their music touched your life? Do you have some fond memories of their music? We invite you to share your stories in the comments below.
Their extraordinary contributions to the industry have left an indelible mark on countless hearts and ears worldwide.
Their timeless tunes and unparalleled artistry will forever be remembered, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift.
Sergio Mendes, the Grammy Award-winning Brazilian musician whose work transcended genres and generations, passed away at 83.
His death, which occurred after a battle with the long-term effects of COVID-19, has left fans and fellow musicians around the globe in mourning.
On Friday, September 6, the family confirmed in a statement that the Brazilian pianist, songwriter, and arranger had passed away on Thursday, September 5.
Sergio Mendes, 83, died after battling the long-term effects of COVID-19. Credit: Facebook / Janet Mami Takayama
According to the statement, ‘His wife and musical partner for the past 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was by his side, as were his loving children.’
‘Mendes last performed in November 2023 to sold out and wildly enthusiastic houses in Paris, London and Barcelona.’
Sergio Mendes's journey began in Niterói, a city that shares its vibrant culture with Rio de Janeiro. His passion for music was evident from a young age, leading him to study classical music at a conservatory.
However, it was his transition to jazz and later Bossa Nova that marked the beginning of an illustrious career.
Bossa Nova, a genre that blends samba and jazz, was gaining popularity in the nightclubs of Rio, and Mendes was at the forefront alongside legends like Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto.
In 1962, Mendes's talent took him to New York for a Bossa Nova festival at Carnegie Hall, a pivotal moment that would introduce his sound to an international audience.
During the trip, Cannonball Adderley invited Mendes to collaborate on the album Cannonball Adderley And The Bossa Rio Sextet, which led to his first American record, ‘The Swinger From Rio’, after signing with Atlantic Records.
But it was the formation of Brazil ‘64, later known as Brazil ‘66, that brought Mendes's music into the hearts of a global audience.
The group's debut album, produced by Herb Alpert, featured the hit ‘Mas Que Nada’. This song, sung entirely in Portuguese, was a 1963 Jorge Ben Jor composition that Mendes transformed into a jazz-infused samba that resonated with listeners worldwide.
‘I put a band together called Brasil ‘66,’ he said in 2019.
‘I’d always had instrumental groups, but when I added the two female singers, Lani Hall and Bibi Vogel, it made a different kind of sound.’
‘We recorded the song in Los Angeles, with me, the drums, bass and guitar all performing live,’ Mendes added.
Mendes's influence extended far beyond the 1960s. In 2006, his collaboration with the Black Eyed Peas brought ‘Mas Que Nada’ back to the top of the charts, introducing his sound to a new generation.
His album Timeless, produced by will.i.am, featured collaborations with contemporary artists like Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, and John Legend, showcasing his enduring relevance in the music industry.
‘Sergio Mendes was my brother from another country,’ trumpet player Alpert wrote on social media, sharing an old photo of himself sitting next to Mendes at the piano.
‘He was a true friend and extremely gifted musician who brought Brazilian music in all its iterations to the entire world with elegance.’
Mendes' other hits featured an eclectic mix, including covers of the Beatles’ ‘The Fool On The Hill’ and ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’, as well as his own Brazilian chant, ‘Magalenha’.
He also composed the soundtrack for the film Pelé, which featured saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, and produced an album recorded by the renowned Brazilian soccer player.
Mendes won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for Brasileiro and received two Latin Grammy Awards.
Additionally, he earned an Oscar nomination in 2012 for Best Original Song for ‘Real In Rio’ from the animated film Rio.
‘Brazilian soul was there,’ pianist, singer, and songwriter Marcos Valle said about Mendes’s music.
He also remarked that Mendes played a crucial role in opening doors for his generation of Brazilian artists, including himself, to connect with international audiences.
Mendes' family announced that they would share details about the funeral and memorial services at a later date.
Meanwhile, the music industry has lost another of its unsung heroes with the passing of Herbie Flowers, the masterful bassist whose work has resonated through generations.
At the age of 86, Flowers left behind a legacy that is as profound as it is melodious, having contributed to some of the most iconic tracks in pop and rock history.
Herbie Flowers' bassline in Lou Reed's ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ is etched into the annals of music history, a riff that is as recognisable as it is hauntingly beautiful.
It's a testament to his talent that this particular bassline continues to captivate listeners decades after its release; however, Flowers' influence extends far beyond this single track.
Herbie Flowers, the masterful bassist famous for his iconic riff in Lou Reed's ‘Walk on the Wild Side’, has passed away at 86. Credit: Facebook / Jack Fetter
Throughout his illustrious career, Flowers played with a veritable who's who of the music world, including David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Paul McCartney, Bryan Ferry, and Elton John.
His family confirmed his passing on social media, leaving fans and fellow musicians to mourn the loss of a true great.
Tim Burgess, the lead singer of the Charlatans, expressed his farewell to Flowers, ‘Farewell Herbie Flowers, he made the greats sound greater.’
The estate of David Bowie also paid tribute, noting that Flowers' extensive body of work over the years was too vast to enumerate.
‘Aside from his incredible musicianship over many decades, he was a beautiful soul and a very funny man. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,’ it said.
‘Ah, d***. RIP Herbie Flowers. So many great basslines—imagine having played on “Space Oddity”, “Walk on the Wild Side”, and “Rock On”,’ Suede’s bassist Mat Osman remarked.
Born in Isleworth in 1938, Flowers began his career in the 1960s as a session musician, quickly becoming a sought-after talent for producers like Shel Talmy, Mickie Most, and Tony Visconti.
In 1969, he co-founded the band Blue Mink, which achieved chart success with songs like ‘Melting Pot’ and ‘The Banner Man’.
As a highly sought-after bass player, Flowers created one of the most iconic hooks for ‘Walk on the Wild Side’, featuring a brilliant, instantly recognisable ascending and descending twang.
Despite this, Flowers remained modest about his contribution, saying, ‘People have often suggested that I should have got writer’s credits, but I just helped put an arrangement together.’
‘Lou had the chords written out on a piece of paper and my job was to come up with the bass line.’
In another interview, he said, ‘You do the job and get your a*** away. You take a £12 fee; you can’t play a load of b*******.’
Flowers reportedly recorded over 20,000 sessions, working with artists such as Dusty Springfield, George Harrison, Serge Gainsbourg, and David Essex.
However, Flowers' career was not limited to session work. Another notable achievement was co-writing the 1970 hit novelty song ‘Grandad’.
According to reports, this happened after he met Clive Dunn at a party. Dunn, a household name due to Dad’s Army, challenged him to write a song for him.
Flowers was part of the final lineup of T. Rex just before Marc Bolan's death, appearing on the band's last album, 1977’s Dandy in the Underworld, and Bolan's Marc TV show.
In the late 1970s, Flowers founded the instrumental prog rock band Sky, recording and performing with them until 1995, when they released seven albums.
His discography also includes Bryan Ferry’s The Bride Stripped Bare, Paul McCartney’s Give My Regards to Broad Street, and Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of the War of the Worlds.
Kevin J Conklin, the husband of Flowers’ niece, Lorraine Bassett, also paid tribute to the legendary musician.
‘While we knew and loved him as Uncle Herbie, his musical contributions have likely touched your lives as well,’ he wrote on social media.
‘He played bass on many of the songs from the golden age of rock…We’ll miss you, Uncle Herbie! Rock on.’
Members, how has their music touched your life? Do you have some fond memories of their music? We invite you to share your stories in the comments below.
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