PBS is set to premier what they call a “joyfully tuneful salute” to Brazilian musical pioneer – Sergio Mendes – with, Sergio Mendes & Friends: A Celebration in June. The Oscar-nominated songwriter artist, producer, composer, keyboardist and vocalist, will make its world premiere as part of special programming on PBS stations during the month of June. The special program is presented by WNED PBS (Buffalo, NY), was created especially for PBS and was aquired from the forthcoming feature documentary Sergio Mendes: In The Key of Joy by acclaimed filmmaker John Scheinfeld (The U.S. vsJohn Lennon, Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary, and The Happy Daysof GarryMarshall). The deal was negotiated by WNED PBS and the film’s distributor Brainstorm Media. PBS Sergio Mendes Documentary
Sergio Mendes & Friends: A Celebration features Mendes reliving his colorful career as he is joined onscreen by friends and collaborators. Joining Mendes are Common, Quincy Jones, John Legend, singer/songwriter/producer will.i.am, Herb Alpert, Lani Hall (lead singer of Brasil ’66), Gracinha Mendes (Sergio’s lead singer since 1971 and his wife of 46 years), Jerry Moss, and Carlos Saldhana (Oscar-nominated filmmaker of Rio). All of the mentioned will share their perspectives on the man and his music, accompanied by recordings and performances from nearly every phase of Sergio’s career.
“I am really looking forward to sharing my life and musical journey through the decades from Brasil ’66 through present day with PBS viewers across the nation,” says Mendes. “I hope viewers will have a joyful and uplifting experience.”
Mendes exploded on the scene in the 1960s with his group, Brasil ’66. The group played a huge role in popularizing Brazilian music around the world, and at the same time created his own genre by fusing Brazilian music with American pop. He continued to produce hits, decade after decade, staying current and relevant while staying true to his unique sound. One of the most internationally successful Brazilian artists of all time, Mendes is a three-time Grammy Award winner with some 35 albums, including many gold or platinum, including the critically acclaimed Timeless, produced by will.i.am. Hit singles include Mas Que Nada, The Look of Love, Scarborough Fair, Night and Day, Never Gonna Let You Go and his unforgettable rendition of Fool on the Hill. In 2012, Sergio’s Real in Rio from the animated film “Rio” was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Original Song.
“Sergio’s warmth, humor and appreciation of life through all the senses made me feel a strong connection with him and I want others to feel the same way,” says director Scheinfeld. “His life is an exceptional blend of encounters, spontaneity and serendipity and makes him an irresistible subject for a film.”
For more information about Sergio Mendes, this special program and international access to the full documentary, please visit SergioMendesMusic.com.
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