She had an incredible voice… rest in peace.
Brazilian singer Astrud Gilberto, who enchanted millions with her iconic song The Girl from Ipanema, has died aged 83.
This particular song marked the singer’s debut and became her signature hit, catapulting her to fame. Even to this day, “The Girl from Ipanema” holds its place as one of the most renowned and influential bossa nova recordings, leaving an indelible mark on Brazilian music.
Astrud played a pivotal role in the emergence of a new wave of global pop music, introducing the refined Brazilian musical style to audiences in the United States and around the globe.
Throughout her illustrious career, she crafted 16 albums and collaborated with esteemed figures in the music industry, including Quincy Jones and George Michael, further solidifying her status as an influential artist.
The singer’s granddaughter took to social media to announce the somber news of her grandmother’s passing. In a heartfelt message, Sofia, who is also a musician, shared that her grandmother has ascended to become a star, joining her grandfather João Gilberto.
Describing Astrud as a trailblazer and an unparalleled talent, Sofia highlighted her groundbreaking achievement of lending her voice to the English version of “Girl from Ipanema” at the young age of 22, which propelled her to international acclaim.
The news of Astrud Gilberto’s passing was also shared by Paul Ricci, a New York-based guitarist who had collaborated with the late singer. Taking to social media, Ricci conveyed the sad update he received from Astrud’s son Marcelo. Marcelo requested the announcement to be made, emphasizing the significance of Astrud’s contribution to Brazilian music and the profound impact she had on countless lives. Ricci, fondly referred to as “the chief” by Astrud, bid her a rest in peace.
The story behind how Astrud came to perform the English version of her iconic song is surrounded by various accounts. According to Astrud herself, it was her husband, João Gilberto, widely recognized as the “father of bossa nova,” who suggested it during a recording session in New York in 1963. The session involved jazz legend Stan Getz for the album Getz/Gilberto. Astrud recalled that João casually asked her to join in and sing an English chorus after he had performed the first chorus in Portuguese. Although she wasn’t initially credited for her vocals and received only $120 for the session, Astrud went on to record her solo version thereafter.
Stan Getz, the American saxophonist, reportedly earned an estimated million dollars from the track while ensuring that Astrud Gilberto received nothing. He even referred to her as a mere “housewife.”
In a 1978 interview with WHYY’s Fresh Air, Astrud expressed her perspective on the matter. She mentioned that although she had fun participating in the recording and enjoyed being a part of it, she never envisioned it as a significant event in her life or the start of a career.
In 1982, Astrud addressed the narrative surrounding her discovery, stating that stories falsely attributed her success to Stan Getz or Creed Taylor. She expressed annoyance at the false claims, recognizing that it may have made them appear important to have been the ones to recognize her singing potential.
While she acknowledged that she could feel flattered by the importance placed on their role, she couldn’t help but feel annoyed that they resorted to lying.
Singer Astrud Gilberto attends the March 15th Grammy Awards dinner presented by New York chapter of National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
After reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, “The Girl from Ipanema” became an international sensation, earning Astrud Gilberto the Grammy Award for Song of the Year and a nomination for Best Vocal Performance by a Female.
Although none of her other songs achieved the same level of fame as “The Girl from Ipanema,” Astrud enjoyed a successful singing career in her native country.
No additional information regarding her passing has been disclosed. May she rest in peace.
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