Brazilian Singer, Songwriter Joao Gilberto Dies at Age 88 - Reports

Joao Gilberto, the world-renowned Brazilian guitarist and vocalist, and a pioneer of the bossa nova genre, has died at the age of 88, according to multiple media reports.

Gilberto's son reportedly confirmed the death of his father, according to local media, cited by AP.

Gilberto is one of the creators of the bossa nova ("new trend") genre, which first appeared in the late 1950s, the musician was 88 years old at the time of his death.

Fans of the bossa nova genre and admirers of Gilberto throughout the world took to Twitter to express their condolences and bemoan the passing of the virtuoso.

João Gilberto | 10 junho 1931 - 6 julho 2019 pic.twitter.com/79xkVzjk3a

— Catarina Martins (@catarina_mart) 6 июля 2019 г.

#chegadesaudade#JoaoGilbertoRIPMeu coração não se cansa. De ter esperança. De um dia ser tudo o que quer.

João Gilberto.Meu coração não se cansa. De ter esperança. De um dia ser tudo o que quer.

João Gilberto. pic.twitter.com/O9yjSHd3Qo

— @antonioivolemos (@antonioivolemos) 6 июля 2019 г.

Adeus João Gilberto 😭🙏
Muito Obrigado por seus ensinamentos 🎶🎼 Descanse em paz 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/oT28HvfyL3

— Julio Pereira (@pfjulio1) 6 июля 2019 г.

Enquanto João Gilberto gravava com Elizeth Cardoso as canções de Tom e Vinicius, o Botafogo de Garrincha e Nilton Santos juntava forças c/ Santos de Pelé e a seleção vencia a Copa; a Bahia virava o centro do cinema novo; Lygia Pape, Oiticica, Guimarães Rosa, Maria Esther Bueno... pic.twitter.com/bYNtmZlkXP

— João Villaverde (@joaovillaverde) 6 июля 2019 г.

According to the O Globo media outlet, over the last ten years, Gilberto has been depressed. In particular, Gilberto's last years were reportedly marked with health and family issues, as well as money problems.

According to Brazilian-based media, Gilberto spent his last six months with his sister in a small town. The renowned musician reportedly was rarely spotted outside of his house.