Astrud Gilberto's Son João Marcelo Gilberto Worked with Her for Many Years

João Marcelo Gilberto is the quiet force behind his famous parents' musical stardom in the 1960s. Fast forward to today, he and his daughter plan to continue upholding the legacy his mother and father started.

João Marcelo Gilberto's life has been filled with music from an early age. His mother, the late Brazilian pop star Astrud Gilberto, gained fame for her breakout song "The Girl from Ipanema." His late father was the renowned bossa nova guitarist João Gilberto.

For over a decade, João Marcelo witnessed how music shaped his parents' lives, from their soaring successes to their challenging downfalls in the industry.

João Marcelo Gilberto Worked throughout His Mom's Career

Amidst the couple's rising popularity during that period, it was João Marcelo Gilberto's time spent with his mother, Astrud, that allowed him to observe the ebb and flow of her worldwide fame.

According to a February 2022 Independent interview, João Marcelo wore many hats while on the road with Astrud for 15 years: he was her road manager, sound technician, personal assistant, and later became a bass player in her band.

He recalled a particular incident during their time in New York for a press conference, which was a room full of men. As a young boy, he approached his mother and called her "Mom," which caused a noticeable stir in the room.

He realized that his mom was perceived as a sex symbol. Feeling overwhelmed with guilt, he began addressing his mother by name. Meanwhile, the music industry posed significant challenges for his mom.

Renowned jazz saxophonist Stan Getz, pianist Antonio Carlos Jobim, and producer Creed Taylor collaborated on Astrud's breakout hit. However, Astrud's path to success was not without controversy.

In 1982, she reportedly stated that the stories of Getz and Taylor "discovering" her were "far from the truth." Instead of feeling flattered, Astrud couldn't help but feel annoyed, and she accused them of resorting to lies.

João Marcelo supported her statement, emphasizing that his father had always been adamant about the lies surrounding her discovery. He also said they "took advantage" of his mom's good nature and desire to make music.

Once, he accompanied Astrud to London to record a song with George Michael for a charity record. During the session, Astrud sang a song that was "too high" for her. Despite this, she powered through without any complaint.

In addition to her controversial musical career, Astrud's achievements as a Brazilian pop star were unrecognized in her own country. João Marcelo said:

"Brazil turned its back on her. She achieved fame abroad at a time when this was considered treasonous by the press."

João Marcelo's mother never sang in Brazil again. Her unfortunate experiences in the music industry also affected her and caused her to lose trust in people. She lived in privacy and isolation.

The Deaths of João Marcelo Gilberto's Parents

On June 5, 2023, Astrud died at 83 in her home in Philadelphia due to unknown causes. Throughout her remarkable four-decade career in the music industry, she released 15 albums and compilations. Many fans paid tribute to her on social media.

Besides João Marcelo Gilberto, Astrud had another son named Gregory Lasorsa from her second marriage, which occurred after her divorce from Joao in 1964. Gregory accompanied her as a band guitarist on tours around the world.

Astrud's death came after the recent passing of famous musicians, including Tina Turner, Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie Presley, David Crosby, Bobby Caldwell, and former Fleetwood Mac member Christine McEvie.

Four years before Astrud's death, João, also known as the "Architect of Bossa Nova," passed away in June 2019 in his home in Leblon, Brazil, from natural causes. He, too, achieved success with albums such as "Chega de Saudade," "O Amor, O Sorriso e a Flor," and "Joao Gilberto."

João Marcelo carved his own path in the entertainment industry long after his contributions to his late parents' careers had ended.

Unfortunately, João Marcelo could not attend his father's funeral at Rio De Janeiro Municipal Theater because he was in the process of obtaining his Green Card or residence visa in the U.S.

João Marcelo Gilberto Lives in New Jersey

According to O Globo in 2019, João Marcelo Gilberto has resided in New Jersey, while the TV show "Domingo Espectacular" stated that he has his own office there.

Adriana Oliveira, João Marcelo's wife, said that after João's death, many people visited their house to pay their respects to the beloved bossa nova guitarist.

However, a family conflict marred João's passing involving João Marcelo's paternal half-sister Bebe Gilberto. Nevertheless, João Marcelo remains determined to "reverse the situation."

He fondly reminisced about his father's deep passion for music. When he started his own family, he frequently visited his father in Brazil, occasionally engaging in heartfelt conversations with him over the phone.

João Marcelo carved his own path in the entertainment industry long after his contributions to his late parents' careers had ended. He is now a writer and producer of the TV series "Do Som À Arte - Histórias da Bossa Nova."

Passionate about bossa nova music, João Marcelo has collaborated with his daughter Sofia, who, despite being born and raised in the U.S., has been instrumental in helping her father preserve the music her grandparents began.

However, it seems that Sofia and her father's plans might be put on hold. In 2020, Record TV reported that Joao Marcelo revealed he is facing health problems and a lack of funds.