Astrud Gilberto, ‘The Girl From Ipanema’ Singer And Bossa Nova Star, Dies At 83
Gilberto’s Grammy-winning recording of ‘The Girl From Ipanema’ led to a career in which she collaborated with Quincy Jones, George Michael and more.
Sofia Gilberto, the artist’s granddaughter, broke the news of her death on Instagram.
“I’m here to bring you the sad news that my grandmother became a star today, and is next to my grandfather João Gilberto,” Sofia wrote.
In 1963, she joined him on a trip to New York to record the “Getz/Gilberto” album with jazz saxophonist Stan Getz. She ended up singing “Girl From Ipanema” inadvertently: Producer Creed Taylor had wanted to record an English version of the Brazilian song “Garota De Ipanema” and Astrud, whose father taught languages, was the only Brazilian at the session who spoke English. It was the first song she’d ever recorded, but her un-studied, lighthearted take on the song’s unforgettable melody turned it into a monumental international hit, which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Song Of the Year.
Astrud Gilberto, ‘The Girl From Ipanema’ Singer And Bossa Nova Star, Dies At 83
Gilberto’s Grammy-winning recording of ‘The Girl From Ipanema’ led to a career in which she collaborated with Quincy Jones, George Michael and more.
Published on June 6, 2023By Tim Peacock
Astrud-Gilberto-Gilf-From-Ipanema-Dies-83Astrud Gilberto - Photo: Ingo Barth/ullstein via Bild via Getty Images
Astrud Gilberto, famous for her transcendent interpretation of the bossa nova classic, “The Girl from Ipanema” has died aged 83.
Sofia Gilberto, the artist’s granddaughter, broke the news of her death on Instagram.
“I’m here to bring you the sad news that my grandmother became a star today, and is next to my grandfather João Gilberto,” Sofia wrote.
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“She was a pioneer and the best. At the age of 22, she gave voice to the English version of “Girl from Ipanema” and gained international fame.”
Paul Ricci, a New York-based guitarist who collaborated with Gilberto, also confirmed the news of Gilberto’s passing on Facebook.
“I just got word from her son Marcelo that we have lost Astrud Gilberto,” he wrote. “He asked for this to be posted. She was an important part of ALL that is Brazilian music in the world and she changed many lives with her energy. RIP from ‘the chief’, as she called me.”
Born Astrud Evangelina Weinert in Bahia, Gilberto moved to Rio de Janeiro at an early age and took musical inspiration from her mother’s side of the family, where “almost everyone played an instrument.”
