Astrud Gilberto, the remarkable pioneer of bossa nova and renowned for her iconic rendition of “The Girl From Ipanema,” the unofficial cultural anthem of Brazil, has sadly passed away at the age of 83. Her contribution to Brazilian music and the world at large cannot be overstated. Collaborator Paul Ricci confirmed this heartbreaking news on social media, sharing that Marcelo, Gilberto’s son, entrusted him with the task of sharing the tragic news. In his tribute, Ricci acknowledged Gilberto’s immense impact on the music landscape, stating, “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. Thanks AG.” While the cause of her passing remains undisclosed, her legacy will forever resonate.
Born Astrud Evangelina Weinert in Salvador, Bahia, on March 29, 1940, Gilberto’s journey to stardom began serendipitously in 1963 when she accompanied her husband and musician João Gilberto on a trip to New York. It was during this trip that she recorded alongside saxophonist Stan Getz and fellow Brazilian bossa nova star Antônio Carlos Jobim, ultimately creating the timeless masterpiece, “The Girl From Ipanema.” The song, inspired by the enchanting presence of Heloísa Pinheiro, a young girl who frequented their local bar near Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, became an international sensation. Translated into English by Norman Gimbel, with Gilberto as the only English-speaking individual present, her mesmerizing voice breathed life into the song that would sell over 5 million copies worldwide, earn the Record of the Year for Stan Getz, and propel the bossa nova genre into the global spotlight.
Despite her significant contributions to the music industry, Gilberto lamented that she was not properly credited and compensated for her work. It is disheartening to note that she received a mere $120 in session fees for her vocals on “The Girl From Ipanema.” Moreover, she encountered payment issues for her albums in the 1970s, including “Now” and “That Girl From Ipanema,” on which she re-recorded a disco version of the iconic song but was never fully compensated. Gilberto’s son, Marcelo, shed light on this unfortunate aspect of her career, highlighting the exploitation she endured due to her trusting nature and genuine passion for making music.
In her homeland, Gilberto faced criticism and neglect from the Brazilian press. Marcelo expressed his disappointment, stating, “Brazil turned its back on her,” highlighting the unfair treatment she received for achieving fame abroad during a time when it was viewed as a betrayal by the press. Consequently, the trailblazer ceased performing in Brazil after a concert in 1965. However, her music continued to captivate audiences globally, and she released numerous solo albums under the jazz label Verve, solidifying her status as a true icon. Gilberto’s impact on the music industry spanned four decades, encompassing 16 studio albums, two live records, and an enduring commitment to touring until 2002. In recognition of her immense contributions, she was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Latin Grammys in 2008.
Gilberto’s loss is deeply felt by her friends and family. Her granddaughter, Sofia Gilberto Oliveira, also a musician, paid tribute to her legendary grandmother on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt message and revealing that Astrud Gilberto had even composed a song named “Linda Sofia” for her. Sofia’s tribute serves as a reminder that Gilberto’s musical legacy, particularly her role in popularizing bossa nova beyond Ipanema, will continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
As we bid farewell to Astrud Gilberto, we honor her remarkable contributions to music and remember her as the true girl who took bossa nova from Ipanema to the world. Her legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those who cherish her enchanting voice and soulful artistry. Rest in peace, Astrud Gilberto.
