Considered by many to be the father of Bossa Nova, Joao Gilberto, passed away on July 6. Cause of death was not released. Gilberto is best known for his collaboration with Stan Getz on the 1964 international smash "The Girl From Ipanema". The tune, believed to be the second most recorded song in history behind only The Beatles' "Yesterday", was composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim and sung by Gilberto's then wife Astrud. The album which featured the single, "Getz/Gilberto", went on to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, an honor few Jazz records have ever achieved.
Gilberto released his first records in 1951. His father did not approve of Joao's choice of career and had him committed to a mental institution in 1955, though his stay there was brief. It was his 1958 hit "Bim Bom" and his 1959 album "Chega de Saudade" that launched the Bossa Nova style. His last original album was released in 2000 and he last played in public in 2008.
Gilberto released his first records in 1951. His father did not approve of Joao's choice of career and had him committed to a mental institution in 1955, though his stay there was brief. It was his 1958 hit "Bim Bom" and his 1959 album "Chega de Saudade" that launched the Bossa Nova style. His last original album was released in 2000 and he last played in public in 2008.
You may come across a few albums with Christmas titles and graphics purporting to be holiday sets from Joao Gilberto, but these appear to be compilations of non-Christmas music. The one legitimate Gilberto Christmas song I know of is "Presente de Natal" ("Christmas Gift") from 1961. The song was written by Nelcy Noronha and has also been covered by Hugh Masekela.
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