#17 Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66
Released August 1966, Recorded in 1966
Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 was a groundbreaking album that brought Brazilian music to a global audience. Produced by Herb Alpert, the album featured a unique blend of bossa nova, jazz, pop, and samba, led by Brazilian pianist Sergio Mendes. The album's success was marked by the single "Mas Que Nada," which propelled the group to international fame and earned them a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. The album's innovative sound reached #7 on the Billboard Pop Charts and #2 on the Jazz Charts. Sergio Mendes continued to thrive in his career, releasing numerous albums and collaborating with prominent artists. He embraced new musical trends in the 1980s and contributed to film soundtracks, including the animated film Rio. Mendes's work has had a lasting impact, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Brazilian music.