Music

Bossa Nova Pioneer João Gilberto Dies at 88

Lead Photo: Brazilian singer and musician Joao Gilberto strums the guitar in front of a microphone during studio session. 1980s. Photo by Dario Zalis/Contexto/Getty Images
Brazilian singer and musician Joao Gilberto strums the guitar in front of a microphone during studio session. 1980s. Photo by Dario Zalis/Contexto/Getty Images
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Brazilian singer and songwriter João Gilberto died on Saturday afternoon, according to various reports. He was 88.

Gilberto was widely considered to be one of the pioneering forces behind the bossa nova genre, often collaborating with Antonio Carlos Jobin, his one-time wife Astrud Gilberto, and American saxophonist Stan Getz – who helped popularize the genre in the U.S.

He wrote and recorded hits such as “Bim Bom,” and “O Pato,” as well as helping popularize songs by other composers such as“Garota de Ipanema,” “Chega de Saudade,” “”Manhã de Carnaval,” and “Triste.”