Sérgio Mendes is a Brazilian jazz musician, born in 1941. He learned his trade playing in nightclubs with fellow Brazillian Antonio Carlos Jobim during the 1950's bossa nova boom. In 1961 he formed the Sexteta Bossa Rio who released the album Dance Moderno, although more success would come from his association with Herb Albert. Mendes signed to Albert's record label A. & M. and would achieve platinum sales with his 1966 album Herb Alpert Presents Sergo Mendes and Brasil 66, promoted by the single "Mas Que Nada".
A steady schedule of releases and touring would maintain Mendes position as a Latin superstar. Highlights along the way would take his notoriety beyond the Spanish-speaking world, including a performance at the 1968 Grammy Award ceremony and two performances at the Whitehouse, for Presidents Johnston and Nixon.
Mendes came to prominence in 1992 with his album Brasileiro which went on to win a Grammy for Best World Music Album. The revival of interest in loungecore saw Mendes back in the spotlight with a new generation of listeners. He played piano on the Black Eyed Peas track "Sexy" from the Elephunk album and worked with Will. i. am who produced Mendes album Timeless in 2006. The album features contributions from Erykah Badu and Justin Timberlake amongst others. The album revisits "Mas Que Nada" which went on to be nominated for the Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance.
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