Astrud Gilberto, the iconic singer behind one of the most recorded songs in the history of music has passed away. At 83 years of age, he death was confirmed by her son and bassist Marcelo Gilberto.
The Brazilian chanteuse with breathy vocals, helped make the subtle yet sensual “The Girl From Ipanema” a global sensation.
Astrud was married to famed Brazilian musician and fellow singer João Gilberto. It was during a recording session for an album with Stan Getz, that a publisher had the idea to add some English-language vocals to the tune, originally composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim with Portuguese lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes. Astrud volunteered and the Getz/Gilberto LP went on to win four Grammys.
Though she was never formally credited, and reportedly was only paid $120 for the ‘ … Ipanema’ recording session, Mrs. Gilberto followed up her vocal debut with an outstanding career, recording and performing as a soloist and with others including Quincy Jones and Chet Baker.
In 2008, the Latin Recording Academy honored Astrud Gilberto with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Kroon, Ron / Anefo – Public Domain