Astrud Gilberto (Portuguese pronunciation: [asˈtɾudʒi ʒiwˈbɛʁtu]; born Astrud Evangelina Weinert; March 29, 1940 – June 5, 2023) was a Brazilian samba and bossa nova singer. She gained international attention in the 1960s after recording the song “The Girl from Ipanema”.
Career
Astrud Gilberto, born Astrud Evangelina Weinert on March 29, 1940, was a prominent Brazilian samba and bossa nova singer whose career soared to international acclaim during the 1960s. She is best known for her enchanting rendition of the song “The Girl from Ipanema,” which captivated audiences worldwide.
Gilberto’s musical journey began when she met the renowned Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto, who would later become her husband. It was through their collaboration that Astrud’s talent as a vocalist came to light. In 1963, she made her recording debut on the landmark album “Getz/Gilberto,” a collaboration between João Gilberto, saxophonist Stan Getz, and pianist/composer Antonio Carlos Jobim.
“The Girl from Ipanema,” one of the standout tracks from the album, featured Astrud’s delicate and soothing voice, perfectly complemented by the mellow guitar and saxophone melodies. The song became an instant sensation, captivating listeners with its irresistible rhythm and Astrud’s unique vocal style. It topped charts around the world and won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1965.
Following the success of “The Girl from Ipanema,” Astrud Gilberto embarked on a solo career, releasing her debut album, simply titled “The Astrud Gilberto Album,” in 1965. The album showcased her velvety voice and showcased her ability to effortlessly fuse samba and bossa nova elements with jazz influences. Her subsequent releases, such as “Look to the Rainbow” (1966) and “Beach Samba” (1967), further solidified her reputation as a talented and versatile singer.
Gilberto died from undisclosed causes on 5 June 2023.
Family & Wife
Astrud Gilberto was born Astrud Evangelina Weinertina in the state of Bahia, Brazil, to a Brazilian mother and a German father. He grew up in Rio de Janeiro. His father was a professor of languages and he spoke several languages fluently. She married João Gilberto in 1959 and had a son, João Marcelo Gilberto, who later joined her group.
Astrud and João divorced in the mid-1960s. He has another son from his second marriage, Gregory Lasorsa, who also played with his mother. She later began a relationship with her husband’s musical collaborator, American jazz saxophonist Stan Getz. He immigrated to the United States in 1963 and has lived in the United States ever since.
Songs List
Astrud Gilberto, the Brazilian samba and bossa nova singer, enchanted audiences with her soothing voice and timeless interpretations. Throughout her career, she recorded numerous memorable songs that became classics in the genre. Here are some notable songs by Astrud Gilberto:
- “The Girl from Ipanema”: Undoubtedly her most famous song, “The Girl from Ipanema” became an international sensation. With its enchanting melody and Astrud’s soft vocals, it captured the essence of bossa nova and introduced the genre to a global audience.
- “Corcovado”: Also known as “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars,” this song showcases Astrud’s ability to infuse emotions into her performances. With its gentle rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, it has become a beloved bossa nova standard.
- “Agua de Beber”: This lively and rhythmic track is a testament to Astrud’s mastery of the samba and bossa nova fusion. Her smooth delivery and the vibrant instrumentation create a joyful and infectious atmosphere.
- “Dindi”: Astrud Gilberto’s rendition of “Dindi” showcases her vocal range and emotional depth. The song, with its tender lyrics and delicate melody, captures the essence of romantic bossa nova.
- “Meditation”: This serene and introspective song highlights Astrud’s ability to create a tranquil ambiance. Her soothing vocals, combined with the delicate guitar and atmospheric arrangement, transport listeners to a place of peace and serenity.
- “So Nice (Summer Samba)”: A lively and upbeat track, “So Nice” exudes the carefree spirit of summer. Astrud’s breezy vocals perfectly complement the infectious rhythm, making it an ideal song for warm, sunny days.
- “How Insensitive”: With its melancholic undertones, “How Insensitive” showcases Astrud’s ability to convey complex emotions. Her delicate interpretation of this Antonio Carlos Jobim composition is both introspective and captivating.
- “Once I Loved”: This romantic ballad highlights Astrud’s ability to infuse warmth and vulnerability into her performances. Her heartfelt delivery, combined with the evocative lyrics, makes it a standout track in her discography.
These songs represent just a glimpse of Astrud Gilberto’s remarkable musical repertoire. Through her unique voice and impeccable artistry, she left an indelible mark on the world of samba and bossa nova, captivating listeners with her timeless interpretations.
Net Worth 2023
Astrud Gilberto is a famous World Music Singer, born on March 29, 1940 in Brazil. As of June 1, 2023, Astrud Gilberto’s net worth is $5 Million. She came to America at age twenty-three.
Latest News About Astrud Gilberto
Astrud Gilberto, ‘The Girl from Ipanema’ singer, dies at 83
The singer behind one of the most recorded songs in history has died.
With her breathy vocals, Astrud Gilberto helped make the breezy and sensual “The Girl From Ipanema” into a global sensation. Her death was confirmed by her son, bassist Marcelo Gilberto. She was 83.
Gilberto was married to famed Brazilian musician and singer João Gilberto. During a recording session for an album with Stan Getz, a publisher had the idea to add some English-language vocals to the tune, originally composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim with Portuguese lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes. Astrud volunteered. The album, Getz/Gilberto, went on to win four Grammys.
Although he was uncredited and only earned $120 per session, Gilberto followed his singing debut with a stellar career, recording and performing solo and with others such as Quincy Jones and Chet Baker. In 2008, the Latin Recording Academy honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Physical Stats
Astrud Gilberto was not only known for her enchanting voice, but also possessed a captivating physical presence. Standing at an average height of around 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm), she had a slender and graceful figure that exuded elegance. With her expressive dark eyes and a warm smile, she radiated a natural charm that captivated audiences. Her lustrous, dark hair often framed her face, adding to her allure. Astrud’s stage presence and poise complemented her musical talent, making her a captivating performer in every sense.
Know Some Interesting Facts About Astrud Gilberto
- International Breakthrough: Astrud Gilberto gained worldwide recognition with her breakout hit, “The Girl from Ipanema.” The song became a chart-topping success and won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1965, launching her career onto the global stage.
- English as a Second Language: When Astrud recorded “The Girl from Ipanema,” she initially sang it in English despite being a native Portuguese speaker. Her charming accented English added a unique quality to her voice, which resonated with listeners and became her signature style.
- Unexpected Vocalist: Before becoming a singer, Astrud was primarily known as a housewife. Her husband, João Gilberto, initially invited her to sing on one of his recordings as a one-time favor. However, her captivating voice led to unexpected success, prompting her to pursue a career in music.
- Collaboration with Jazz Legends: Astrud Gilberto had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned jazz musicians. Her work with saxophonist Stan Getz and pianist/composer Antonio Carlos Jobim on the album “Getz/Gilberto” played a significant role in popularizing bossa nova and establishing her as a prominent figure in the genre.
- Multilingual Talents: Astrud recorded songs in multiple languages throughout her career, including English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. Her ability to adapt her singing style to different languages and maintain her distinctive charm showcased her versatility as an artist.
- A Successful Solo Career: After her success with “The Girl from Ipanema” and her collaborations, Astrud Gilberto embarked on a successful solo career. She released numerous albums and continued to enchant audiences with her soothing vocals and impeccable musicality.
- Film Appearances: In addition to her music career, Astrud made appearances in films. She acted in movies such as “The Adventurers” (1970) and “Voyage to the End of the Universe” (1963), showcasing her talent as both a vocalist and an actress.
- Influencing Future Generations: Astrud Gilberto’s contribution to the music world extends beyond her own era. Her distinctive singing style and the timeless appeal of bossa nova influenced generations of musicians and continue to inspire artists in various genres to this day.