Sérgio Mendes, the iconic musician who brought the vibrant sounds of bossa nova to a global audience, passed away on Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 83 years old.

Mendes' family confirmed the news in a statement, sharing that his wife and musical partner for over five decades, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, and his loving children were by his side at the time. They revealed that Mendes had been grappling with the long-term effects of COVID-19.

With a prolific career spanning six decades, Mendes left an impressive legacy of over 35 albums. His infectious music captivated audiences worldwide. Notably, his final performances thrilled crowds in Paris, London, and Barcelona in 2023.

"Serendipity," a word Mendes cherished, perfectly embodied his life journey, as quoted on his website. Born in Niteroi, Brazil, in 1941, his musical path began with classical training. However, a Dave Brubeck record ignited his passion for jazz, leading him to perform in trios and quartets.

Mendes' destiny took a pivotal turn when he moved to the United States with his band, Brasil '66. Their Portuguese-language hit "Mas Que Nada" and the smooth masterpiece "The Look of Love" catapulted them to international fame.

Throughout his career, Mendes collaborated with an impressive roster of musical giants. This list includes legends like Herb Alpert, Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, and Stevie Wonder. He also gifted the world with unforgettable renditions of "Scarborough Fair," "Night and Day," and "Never Gonna Let You Go."

The 2020 documentary "Sergio Mendes: In the Key of Joy" delved into his remarkable career and explored his collaborations with contemporary artists like will.i.am, Common, and John Legend. Notably, Mendes and Legend co-wrote the song "Real in Rio" from the animated film "Rio," earning them a 2012 Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

In a 2020 interview with NPR, Mendes reflected on his enduring career and the magic of musical partnerships. "These experiences have enriched my life," he said. "Working with diverse people from different cultures fosters growth and learning. ... It's about the magical encounter, and that's a beautiful thing in life."

Click the image to watch the documentary.