Astrud Gilberto was a Brazilian singer-songwriter whose talents brought bossa nova to global audiences. Gilberto was famously known for her hit song “The Girl From Ipanema”. Many people are mourning her passing, but her contributions to music will never be forgotten.
Early Life and Career
Astrud Gilberto was born in Salvador, Bahia and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She married musician João Gilberto when she was 19 years old and began singing in private with her musical circle of friends, which included popular names like Luiz Bonfá and Vinicius de Moraes. It was Moraes who wrote the original lyrics for “The Girl From Ipanema”.
Breakthrough and Success of “The Girl From Ipanema”
In 1963, Gilberto accompanied her husband to New York where he would record with jazz artist Stan Getz and fellow Brazilian bossa nova star Antônio Carlos Jobim. The session’s producer wanted an English-language singer to help “The Girl From Ipanema” cross over to a U.S. audience, and Gilberto was the only person in the studio who could speak it. The original version was a duet with her husband, but after Gilberto’s solo version was released in 1964, it became a huge hit, reaching the U.S. Top 5, the UK Top 30, and winning the Grammy Award for Song of the Year.
Solo Career
After the success of “The Girl From Ipanema”, Gilberto went on to have a thriving solo career. Her third album, “Look to the Rainbow” (1966), was a collaboration with the arranger Gil Evans, and she continued to record albums with the jazz label Verve Records. Gilberto also recorded with Chet Baker and continued to tour until 2002.
Legacy and Influence
Astrud Gilberto’s music and style had a significant influence on other artists, including Sade and Karen Carpenter. She also helped popularize bossa nova in the United States. She has inspired countless musicians with her soulful sound, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists.
Personal Life and Passing
After Gilberto and her husband divorced, she began a brief and difficult affair with Stan Getz. In recent years, Gilberto had been living a quiet life in Rio de Janeiro with her dogs. She passed away at the age of 83.
Conclusion
Astrud Gilberto was a true pioneer in the Brazilian music scene and brought bossa nova to global audiences. Her hit song “The Girl From Ipanema” will remain a legendary masterpiece, and her influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
FAQs
1. What was Astrud Gilberto famous for?
Astrud Gilberto was famously known for her hit song “The Girl From Ipanema”.
2. Who did Astrud Gilberto collaborate with during her career?
Astrud Gilberto collaborated with many artists during her career, including Luiz Bonfá, Vinicius de Moraes, Chet Baker, and Gil Evans.
3. Did Astrud Gilberto win any Grammy Awards?
Yes, Astrud Gilberto won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1964 for her hit song “The Girl From Ipanema”.
4. When did Astrud Gilberto pass away?
Astrud Gilberto passed away at the age of 83.
5. What is Astrud Gilberto’s legacy?
Astrud Gilberto was a true pioneer in the Brazilian music scene and brought bossa nova to global audiences. Her music and style had a significant impact on other musicians, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists.
