Legendary Brazilian musician João Gilberto died Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, according to a Facebook message posted by his family. He was 88 years old.
Though a cause of death has not been revealed, Gilberto's son, Marcelo Gilberto, suggested his father had been battling health issues.
"My father has passed. His fight was noble, he tried to maintain dignity in light of losing his sovereignty," Marcelo wrote. "I thank my family (my side of the family) for being there for him [...]"
Gilberto has been called the "Father of Bossa Nova," as he is widely credited for popularizing the fusion of samba and jazz in the mid-20th century. His most celebrated album was 1962's Getz/Gilberto, which he recorded with his then-wife Astrud Gilberto, American saxpophonist Stan Getz, and Antônio Carlos Jobim. The eight-track album garnered multiple accolades, including Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group; Best Engineered Recording - Non-Classical; as well as Album of the Year in 1965. Billboard reports Getz/Gilberto's standout track "The Girl from Ipanema" is believed to be the second most recorded song of all time, following The Beatles' "Yesterday."
Fans and members of the music world have since gone to social media to express their condolences. You can read some of the tributes below.
