On June 5, the world lost a legendary Brazilian singer, Astrud Gilberto, at the age of 83. Known globally for her iconic hit “The Girl From Ipanema,” Astrud left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her son Marcelo shared the sad news on social media, highlighting her significance to Brazilian music and the transformative energy she brought to the world.
Astrud’s granddaughter, Sofia, paid a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, describing her grandmother as a music pioneer. Through her rendition of “The Girl From Ipanema,” Astrud played a crucial role in popularizing bossa nova on a global scale. Sofia urged everyone to celebrate Astrud’s life and remember her remarkable contributions.
Astrud’s career took off in the 1960s, where she released 16 studio albums and two live records. However, her most famous song, “The Girl From Ipanema,” happened by chance. Originally titled “Garota de Ipanema,” the song was composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes in 1962. It gained widespread recognition after American saxophonist Stan Getz and Brazilian guitarist Joao Gilberto recorded it. At the studio, Astrud, despite not being a professional singer, volunteered to perform the English lyrics translated by Norman Gimbel. Producer Creed Taylor was impressed by her voice and decided to include her rendition.
This version of the song became a global sensation, selling over five million copies. Not only did it earn Astrud a Grammy nomination for Best Vocal Performance by a female, but it also won the Grammy for Song of the Year. Unfortunately, Astrud only received $120 in session fees and did not benefit financially from the song’s massive success.
Despite her international acclaim, Astrud had a complicated relationship with her home country, Brazil. Her son Marcelo, who also collaborated with her, revealed that she faced objectification by the media and resentment for her global fame. After a disappointing concert experience in Brazil in 1965, Astrud chose not to perform in her native country again. She felt betrayed by the Brazilian press, which saw her international success as a betrayal. Nevertheless, Astrud Gilberto’s influence on music, especially in popularizing bossa nova worldwide, stands as a testament to her enduring legacy.
