Astrud Gilberto, the beloved Brazilian singer who captivated the world with her smooth rendition of “The Girl from Ipanema,” has passed away at the age of 83.
This sad news was confirmed by family friend and musician, Paul Ricci, in a heartfelt Facebook post. Remembering her fondly, Ricci emphasized Astrud’s profound impact on Brazilian music and the lives she touched with her vibrant energy.
The news of Astrud Gilberto’s death was also shared by her granddaughter, Sofia Gilberto, on Instagram. Sofia expressed her eternal love for Astrud, describing her as the face and voice of bossa nova that resonated across the planet. Sofia urged everyone to celebrate Astrud’s remarkable life and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
“The Girl from Ipanema,” penned by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, was already a sensation in South America during the 1960s. However, its popularity skyrocketed in the United States in 1964 when a producer on the “Getz/Gilberto” album, featuring Astrud’s former husband João Gilberto and jazz icon Stan Getz, recognized the opportunity to widen its appeal through English lyrics.
During the recording session, Astrud Gilberto, with her limited knowledge of the language, was called upon to sing some of the song’s English lyrics. Little did she know that this would be the turning point in her career. Overnight, Astrud became a sensation, playing a pivotal role in popularizing bossa nova worldwide. “The Girl from Ipanema” went on to win the prestigious Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1965, while Astrud received nominations for Best New Artist and Best Vocal Performance.
Despite not being initially credited on the track and receiving a meager session fee, Astrud Gilberto’s talent and charisma couldn’t be contained. She went on to collaborate with renowned artists and producers like Quincy Jones and George Michael. Releasing multiple albums throughout her career, Astrud’s final one, “Jungle,” graced our ears in 2002. Her exceptional contributions to music were honored with a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Grammys in 2008.
While we mourn the loss of Astrud Gilberto, let us also celebrate the incredible journey she embarked on, which forever altered the course of bossa nova. Her spirit will continue to resonate through the timeless melodies she shared with the world. As Astrud’s granddaughter Sofia said, she will forever remain in our hearts, and it is now our time to celebrate Astrud’s remarkable legacy.
