As a boy growing up in Brazil, Sergio dreamed of becoming a classical pianist, but after attending a music conservatory throughout his youth his interest in jazz grew. As his love of jazz matured, he began to play in local nightclubs in the late 1950’s. The talented pianist went on to form the Sexta Bossa Rio and recorded “Dance Moderna” in 1961.
Mendes career took off from that point touring in the U.S. and Europe and recording albums with the likes of Cannonball Adderly, and Herbie Mann. He would move to the U.S. in 1964 and cut two albums under the Brasil 65 group name. His greatest success came from the release of his platinum album Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66. Mendes has released over thirty-five albums, and still plays his bossa nova heavily crossed with jazz and funk.
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