Brazilian singer and composer Joao Gilberto, considered one of the fathers of the Bossa Nova genre, has died. His children confirmed his passing in Rio de Janeiro earlier today at the age of 88. Gilberto died at home after battling health issues for some time. His son, Marcelo Gilberto, confirmed the tragic news on Facebook.
Influential Brazilian musician Joao Gilberto has died aged 88. The singer and composer was known best as a pioneer of the bossa nova genre, which found international popularity in the 1960s.
Reports say Gilberto died at home in Rio de Janeiro after a period of illness. His son confirmed the news of his death in a Saturday Facebook post.
"His fight was noble, he tried to maintain dignity," Marcelo Gilberto said.
Born in the north-east state of Bahia in 1931, Gilberto began singing aged 18.
His release of the record Chega de Saudade in the late 1950s was considered a game-changer for Brazilian music.
Gilberto's style - mixing traditional and modern musical influences - inspired bossa nova, or new trend, music and many other artists after him.
In 1964, he famously collaborated with America saxophone player Stan Getz. Their album sold millions of copies and won international praise, including a US Grammy for Album of the year.
As well as Marcelo, Gilberto is survived by his two other children, Bebel and Luisa.
