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Joao Gilberto, Brazilian Bossa Nova Pioneer, Dies at 88

Associated Press

   RIO DE JANEIRO - Joao Gilberto, a Brazilian singer, guitarist and
   songwriter considered one of the fathers of the bossa nova genre that
   gained global popularity in the 1960s and became an iconic sound of the
   South American nation, died Saturday, his son said. He was 88.

   Joao Marcelo said his father had been battling health issues though no
   official cause of his death in Rio de Janeiro was given. "His struggle
   was noble. He tried to maintain his dignity in the light of losing his
   independence," Marcelo posted on Facebook.

   A fusion of samba and jazz, bossa nova emerged in the late 1950s and
   gained a worldwide following in the 1960s, pioneered by Gilberto and
   Antonio Carlos Jobim, who composed the iconic The Girl From Ipanema
   that was performed by Gilberto and others. His wife, Astrud Gilberto,
   made her vocal debut in the song.

   Began guitar at 14

   Self-taught, Gilberto said he discovered music at age 14 when he held a
   guitar in his hands for the first time. With his unique playing style
   and modern jazz influences, he created the beat that defined bossa
   nova, helping launch the genre with his song Bim-Bom.

   By 1961, Gilberto had finished the albums that would make bossa nova
   known around the world: Chega de Saudade;Love, aSmile and aFlower;and
   Joao Gilberto.His 1964 album Getz/Gilberto with U.S. saxophonist Stan
   Getz sold millions of copies.

   "It was Joao Gilberto, the greatest genius of Brazilian music, who was
   the definitive influence on my music," singer Gal Costa wrote on social
   media. "He will be missed but his legacy is very important to Brazil
   and to the world."