Father of Bossa Nova, João Gilberto dies at age 88 in Rio de Janeiro
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Chega de Saudade, by Vinícius de Moraes and Tom Jobim, is one of the most famous songs played by João Gilberto
Brazilian singer, composer and guitarist João Gilberto, considered one of Bossa Nova's parents, died Saturday at age 88, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Agencia Brasil, the country's official news agency, reported on Saturday. The information was confirmed by the son of the artist Marcelo Gilberto, who is also a musician, in his profile on the social network Facebook. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Leer en español: Padre de Bossa Nova, João Gilberto muere a los 88 años en Río de Janeiro
The artist, known for his seclusion and perfectionism, cemented the bases of Bossa Nova with the albums Chega de Saudade (1959), O amor, o Smile e Flor (1960) and João Gilberto (1961). Chega de Saudade, by Vinícius de Moraes and Tom Jobim, is one of the most famous songs played by João Gilberto. The jazz and bossa nova album Getz / Gilberto (1964), a partnership with the American saxophonist Stan Getz, was awarded the Grammy. He also made his own compositions, such as Bim-Bom and Oba-la-la.
The last time Joao Gilberto stepped on stage was in 2008, on the occasion of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Bossa Nova. There was an expectation that he would return to the stage in November 2011, on a national tour with the show João Gilberto 80 years – Uma Vida Bossa Nova. But the first presentation that would be held in the city of São Paulo was canceled due to the health of the musician and the tour ended up not happening.
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The composer was seen singing and playing guitar for the last time in 2015: he appears in videos posted on the social network Facebook by Claudia Faissol, mother of Luisa, the youngest daughter of the singer. Joao was in his pajamas and was playing and singing Girl of Ipanema with his daughter.
Due to financial problems and health of the singer, his daughter Bebel Gilberto got the musician's ban on November 15. The lawsuit is kept secret in the 5th Court of Orphans and Successions of Rio de Janeiro.
LatinAmerican Post Staff
