SÉRGIO MENDES

One common thread weaves throughout the tapestry of music that Sergio Mendes has created over his six-decade career: the spirit of joy. From his contributions to the foundations of bossa nova with Antonio Carlos Jobim, through the era-defining Latin-pop sound of his iconic group Brasil ’66; his chart-topping smash “Never Gonna Let You Go;” to his 21st-century reinvention with the Black-Eyed Peas and John Legend of his Oscar-nominated theme song from the animated hit Rio: an infectious spirit of joy pervades everything Mendes has ushered into the ears of listeners.