Astrud Gilberto, the Brazilian singer who captivated the world with her dreamy vocals in the classic song “The Girl from Ipanema,” has sadly passed away at the age of 83. While “The Girl from Ipanema” was her first and only major hit, it remains one of the most beloved and influential bossa nova recordings of all time, leaving an indelible mark on Brazilian music.
Born Astrud Evangelina Weinert on March 29, 1940, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, Gilberto married João Gilberto, the renowned Brazilian guitarist known as the “father of bossa nova,” in 1959. Together, they embarked on a journey to New York City, where João was recording an album with American saxophonist Stan Getz titled “Getz/Gilberto.”
It was during these recording sessions that Astrud, with her ability to sing in English, was invited to lend her vocals to an English-language version of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s bossa nova song, “Garota de Ipanema” (“The Girl from Ipanema”). This marked Astrud’s first professional recording experience, and little did she know that it would become a defining moment in her career.
Her ethereal voice on the track immediately captured hearts and led to the release of a single featuring her voice alone. The song skyrocketed to international success, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US and achieving high rankings around the world. It even won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year and garnered a nomination for Best Vocal Performance by a Female.
Despite her vital contribution to the song’s success, Astrud Gilberto was not properly credited or compensated for her work. She received no credit on the original album pressing, and Stan Getz, who profited greatly from the track, ensured that she received nothing. In an interview, Astrud expressed her frustration with the false narratives perpetuated by Getz and others, claiming credit for her discovery when, in reality, she was the one who brought an undeniable allure to the song.
In recent years, it has become widely recognized that Astrud Gilberto was the driving force behind the song’s popularity. Brazilian history professor Bryan McCann acknowledged her indispensable role, stating, “It was Astrud Gilberto who made the album a smash hit. Astrud provided the ineffable allure that made the album irresistible.”
“The Girl from Ipanema” went on to become one of the most beloved songs of all time, second only to The Beatles’ “Yesterday” as the most-covered pop song. It also played a significant role in introducing Brazilian bossa nova music to American audiences. Astrud rightfully took pride in the role she played in transforming Brazilian music into a modern form that resonated with listeners outside of Brazil.
While Astrud Gilberto never surpassed the commercial success of “The Girl from Ipanema,” she continued to have a successful music career in the United States after separating from João Gilberto. Her unique talent and captivating voice left a lasting impact on listeners around the world.
On June 5, 2023, Astrud Gilberto passed away at the age of 83. Her friend and fellow musician Paul Ricci confirmed the news on Facebook on behalf of her son, Marcelo. Ricci paid tribute to Astrud as a groundbreaking singer who had transformed the world of Brazilian music and touched many lives with her energy.
Let us remember Astrud Gilberto as the voice behind one of the most iconic songs of all time. Rest in peace to the great Astrud Gilberto, and may her memory continue to inspire us. Please share this story as a tribute to her incredible legacy. 💔
