Astrud Evangelina Weinert, known as Astrud Gilberto, passed away at the age of 83 this Monday (5/6). The singer was one of the biggest names in bosa nova and gained notoriety for the English version of the song “Girl from Ipanema”, by Antonio Carlos Jobim. The news was confirmed by her niece, Sofia Gilberto, via a post on Instagram. The cause of her death was not disclosed.
“Life is good, as the song says, but I’m here to give you the sad news that my grandmother became a star and is now at my grandfather João Gilberto’s side. Astrud was the real girl who brought the bossa nova from Ipanema in the world. She was a pioneer and the best,” he said in the post.
The singer won Grammys, brought bossa nova outside Brazil and popularized the genre in the United States. “He was the face and voice of bossa nova in most of the planet,” added Sofia.
Born in Salvador, daughter of a Brazilian mother and a German father, Astrud began her career after marrying musician Jõao Gilberto, the ‘father of bossa nova’, who was introduced to her by her childhood friend Nara Leão. Defying her shyness, the singer took the stage for the first time in 1960, in the show “Noite do Amor, do Sorriso e da Flor”, to promote her husband’s new compositions. But Astrud Gilberto was not an absolute novice. She grew up immersed in music, thanks to her mother, Evangelina Neves Lobo Weinert, who played various instruments.
She has been married to João Gilberto for five years. But shortly before their divorce, the couple moved to the United States, where she settled permanently. Although she had stage fright, she sang on the jazz album “Getz / Gilberto”, with compositions by her husband and saxophonist Stan Getz, considered one of the best bossa nova albums of all time.
After separating in 1964, Astrud decided to continue her musical career.
Hollywood, the Grammys and the world
In the same year, she appeared singing the English version of ‘Girl from Ipanema’ in the American film ‘Turma Bossa Nova’ which also starred singer Nancy Sinatra. Accompanied by Stan Getz, the singer’s relaxed voice delighted audiences and critics alike, making Brazilian bossa nova popular in the United States.
The release of his first album, titled “The Astrud Gilberto Album”, was followed by very positive reviews. Thanks to the success, Astrud Gilberto made history by becoming the first woman to win the Grammy for song of the year in 1965, beating none other than the Beatles and singer Barbra Streisand.
Over the years, Astrud has come to own an extensive discography comprising 19 albums, the last of which was released in 2003. Her impact lasted well beyond the 1960s, influencing singers of several generations, from Sade to Billie Eillish, plus all the smooth voices of the indie shoegazer and dreampop scene – from My Bloody Valentine to Hatchie.
Shortly before the release of the latest album, the singer retired from the stage and announced that she was retiring from public life indefinitely. She stated at the time that she would not miss the way she was treated by record companies, nor the fear she felt when she took the stage.
The singer has left two children, bassist Marcelo Gilberto, from her marriage to João Gilberto, who died in 2019, and Greg Lasorsa, from her second marriage.
See below scene from “The Girl from Ipanema” in “Turma Bossa Nova”.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
