João Gilberto, the founder of ‘Bossa Nova’ style of music and turned it to a worldwide craze, has passed away. He was 88 years old.
Relatives of Gilberto confirmed his death on social media.
“His fight was noble, and he tried to maintain dignity,” his son Marcelo wrote on Facebook.
“Deep sadness. All he wanted was to be with us and to play with his granddaughter,” his daughter-in-law also posted.
The family, however, did not disclose the cause of death.
Brazilian singers paid tribute to Gilberto calling him a ‘musical genius’ and the one responsible for introducing Brazilian music to the world.
He started singing at 18 years old. In 1958 he released the record “Chega de Saudade” in 1959, which marked the beginning of the world-famous Bossa Nova music style.
The 1964 album “Getz/Gilberto” with American saxophone player Stan Getz sold millions of copies, won several Grammy awards and popularized Bossa Nova around the world.
