About Astrud Gilberto
Astrud Gilberto was a renowned Brazilian samba and bossa nova singer and songwriter. One of Astrud Gilberto's most notable contributions to music was her captivating rendition of the song "The Girl from Ipanema," which propelled her to international stardom in the 1960s. This iconic song, originally composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim with Portuguese lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes, became a worldwide sensation and remains one of the most recognized and beloved bossa nova tracks of all time. Astrud's soulful and delicate vocals, combined with the smooth rhythms of bossa nova, enchanted listeners around the globe, cementing her place in the annals of music history. Gilberto died from undisclosed causes on 5 June 2023. She died at her home in Philadelphia, her granddaughter Sofia Gilberto said on social media.
Astrud Gilberto Early Life & Family
Astrud Gilberto, originally named Astrud Evangelina Weinert, was born on March 29, 1940, in the state of Bahia, Brazil. She was raised in Rio de Janeiro, where she grew up in a multicultural household with a Brazilian mother and a German father, who was a language professor. As a result, Gilberto developed fluency in multiple languages. Her ethnic background was mixed. As of 2023, she lastly celebrated her 83rd birthday, being an Aries according to her zodiac sign. Gilberto followed the Christian religion. Throughout her life, she left a lasting impact as a talented singer and performer, contributing to the rich musical landscape of Brazil and beyond.
Astrud Gilberto Music Career
- Astrud Gilberto, a talented Brazilian singer, made a significant impact on the music scene after emigrating to the United States in 1963.
- Her first notable recording was on the 1963 album "Getz/Gilberto", where she contributed to two tracks alongside renowned artists such as João Gilberto, Stan Getz, and Antônio Carlos Jobim.
- Despite not being a complete novice, as she had grown up surrounded by music and regularly performed with her husband in Brazil, it was her captivating and whispery voice that mesmerized listeners.
- Her rendition of "The Girl from Ipanema" played a pivotal role in popularizing the song, earning her a Grammy for Song of the Year and a nomination for Best Vocal Performance by a Female.
- She went on to release her first solo album, "The Astrud Gilberto Album", in 1965, showcasing her versatility by singing in multiple languages including Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Japanese.
- In 1964, "The Girl from Ipanema" became a chart-topping hit as an edited single, with Astrud Gilberto's vocals prominently featured.
- This version excluded the Portuguese lyrics sung by João Gilberto, establishing Astrud as a prominent bossa nova singer.
- The single achieved remarkable commercial success, selling over one million copies and earning a gold disc.
- However, it is worth noting that despite her contribution to the song's popularity, Astrud reportedly received only the standard session fee of $120, as producer Creed Taylor had ensured she was not paid anything, according to Gene Lees in Singers and the Song II.
- Throughout her career, Gilberto ventured beyond bossa nova and jazz standards, recording her own compositions in the 1970s.
- Her son Marcelo joined her group as a bassist in 1982, touring with her for more than a decade.
- Together, they collaborated on albums such as "Live in New York" (1996) and "Temperance" (1997).
- The latter album featured her son Gregory Lasorsa on guitar for the song "Beautiful You," which also included the vocals of singer Michael Franks.
- Her remarkable career was recognized with numerous accolades, including the Latin Jazz USA Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1992 and her induction into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2002.
- She also made notable contributions to charitable causes, as she participated in the AIDS benefit album Red Hot + Rio in 1996, performing the song "Desafinado" alongside George Michael.
- Gilberto's versatility as a singer extended beyond her own recordings, as her rendition of "Fly Me to the Moon" was edited into a duet with Frank Sinatra for the soundtrack of the film Down with Love in 2003.
- Her vocals on songs such as "Who Can I Turn To?" were sampled by popular artists like The Black Eyed Peas and Cut Chemist, showcasing the enduring impact of her music across genres.
- Gilberto's influence and legacy continue to resonate, even inspiring a tribute track named "Astrud" on Basia Trzetrzelewska's 1987 album, "Time and Tide".
- Astrud Gilberto's discography features an impressive collection of albums spanning her career. Some notable releases include "The Astrud Gilberto Album" (1965), "The Shadow of Your Smile" (1965), "A Certain Smile, a Certain Sadness" with Walter Wanderley (1966), "Look to the Rainbow" (1966), "Beach Samba" (1967), "Gilberto Golden Japanese Album" (1967), "Windy" (1968), "September 17, 1969" (1969), "I Haven't Got Anything Better to Do" (1969), "Gilberto with Turrentine" (1971), "Now" (1972), "That Girl from Ipanema" (1977), "Astrud Gilberto plus the James Last Orchestra" (1986), "So & So: Mukai Meets Gilberto" (1990), "Super Stars," "Live in New York" (1999), and "Jungle" (2002). These albums showcase Gilberto's versatility and musical prowess across genres such as bossa nova and jazz.
- Astrud Gilberto's bibliography includes notable works such as "Bossa Nova: The Story of the Brazilian Music That Seduced the World" by Ruy Castro (2000, published in English in 2003), "Il popolo del samba, La vicenda e i protagonisti della storia della musica popolare brasiliana" by Gildo De Stefano (2005), and "Saudade Bossa Nova: musiche, contaminazioni e ritmi del Brasile" by Gildo De Stefano (2017). These books delve into the history, influences, and rhythms of Brazilian music, providing valuable insights into the cultural significance of Bossa Nova.
Astrud Gilberto Husband & Children
Astrud Gilberto was previously married to her husband, João Gilberto, with whom she tied the knot in 1959. They had a son named João Marcelo Gilberto, who later became part of her band. However, their marriage ended in divorce during the mid-1960s. Astrud entered into a second marriage and had another son named Gregory Lasorsa, who also played alongside her in musical performances. The separation between Astrud and João was prompted by João's affair with Brazilian singer Miucha, whose real name is Heloísa Maria Buarque de Hollanda. Following the divorce, Astrud became involved with Stan Getz, an American jazz saxophone player and her husband's musical collaborator. Unfortunately, their relationship proved to be challenging as Getz mistreated Astrud and underpaid her during a tumultuous tour. Eventually, Astrud's lawyer, Allan Arrow, helped her break free from the tour contract and put an end to the abusive situation. Her sexual orientation was straight.
Astrud Gilberto Death
On 5 June 2023, Astrud Gilberto, the beloved Brazilian samba and bossa nova singer, passed away at the age of 83. The specific cause of her death remains undisclosed. It was reported that she died at her home in Philadelphia, as shared by her granddaughter Sofia Gilberto on social media. Astrud's departure marked the end of an era for the music world, leaving behind a rich legacy of timeless melodies and her enchanting voice that captivated audiences for decades. Her contributions to the genre and her iconic rendition of "The Girl from Ipanema" will forever be remembered and cherished by fans around the world.
Astrud Gilberto Net Worth
Astrud Gilberto, a renowned samba and bossa nova singer and songwriter, had a net worth of $5 million at the time of her death in 2023. She was making her annual income in thousand of dollars. Her main source of wealth was from the music industry. She achieved widespread recognition for her captivating rendition of the song "The Girl from Ipanema," which became a global sensation during the 1960s. With her unique vocal style and captivating performances, Gilberto left an indelible mark on the music industry and will forever be remembered as a prominent figure in the world of Brazilian music.
Astrud Gilberto Height & Weight
Astrud Gilberto was a beautiful singer with a slim body type. Standing at an average height of around 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm), she had a slender and graceful figure that exuded elegance. Her expressive dark eyes and warm smile further enhanced her natural charm. With lustrous, dark hair framing her face, Astrud had a captivating stage presence and poise that complemented her musical talent. Whether through her mesmerizing voice or her captivating physicality, she had the ability to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression as a truly remarkable performer.
