João Gilberto Dead - Brazilian Father of Bossa Nova Dies at 88

João Gilberto has sadly died at the age of 88.

The Brazilian singer and composer, known for pioneering the bossa nova genre, died at his home in Rio de Janeiro after a period of illness according to his son in a Facebook update on Saturday (July 6).

“His fight was noble, he tried to maintain dignity,” Marcelo Gilberto wrote.

He is known for many recordings, including 1959′s Chega de Saudade, which is considered the first bossa nova record. His collaboration with American saxophonist Stan Getz, called Getz/Gilberto in 1965, is also considered the album that popularized bossa nova worldwide, and became one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time.

His versions of songs like “Quiet Nights” and “The Girl from Ipanema” also became standards in world music.

Our thoughts are with João‘s loved ones at this difficult time.