Fans say goodbye to singer, songwriter João Gilberto

Former singer, songwriter, and guitar player João Gilberto had his wake held Monday morning (Jul 8) at Theatro Municipal, in Rio de Janeiro, birth place of bossa nova, the musical movement marked by João Gilberto’s new way of singing and playing the guitar. His funeral is expected to take place in the neighboring city of Niterói.

João Gilberto ed away on Saturday (8) aged 88, and was known for his secluded lifestyle and for having established the foundations of bossa nova with the records Chega de saudade (1959), O amor, o sorriso e a flor (1960), and João Gilberto (1961).

The place was visited by a large number of fans who wished to say a last goodbye to their idol, among them doctor Fernanda Maia Carvalho, who was visiting Rio de Janeiro. She said she learned about the singer’s death while in Pão de Açúcar. She was very emotional and decided to pay her last tribute to the artist with her three small children.

“My parents are great fans of his. I grew up listening to his songs, they always inspired me. This is very touching to all of us. His music certainly goes beyond generations and will continue casting its spell. The message conveyed by his music is timeless.”

Other fans, friends, singers, and artists used social media to express their condolences. On her Instagram , singer Gal Costa said: “João Gilberto, the biggest genius in Brazilian music, is gone. His influence on my singing is permanent. He will be missed, but his legacy is crucial for both Brazil and the world.”

Secluded

The last time João Gilberto stepped on stage was 2008, during the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of bossa nova. He had been expected back on stage in November 2011, on a national tour dubbed João Gilberto 80 anos – Uma vida bossa nova, but the first performance, slated for São Paulo, was called off due to health reasons, and the tour did not start.

The songwriter was seen singing and playing the guitar for the last time in 2015: he appears in videos posted on Facebook by Claudia Faissol, mother of Luisa, the singer’s youngest daughter. João Gilberto was wearing pajamas and playing Garota de Ipanema next to his daughter.

Due to financial and health issues, the musician had his insanity adjudicated on November 15, after a request was filed by his daughter, singer Bebelo Gilberto. The case is classified and still ongoing in Rio de Janeiro.