Astrud and Cynthia RIP

There have a few significant music deaths in the last few days. The most recent is that of Astrud Gilberto, aged 83. She leaves behind an indelible mark on the world of music. With her velvety voice and captivating style, Gilberto became an iconic figure in the bossa nova genre, enchanting audiences with her timeless classics and paving the way for a new era of Brazilian music. Born on March 29, 1940, in Salvador, Brazil, Astrud Gilberto rose to international fame with her mesmerizing rendition of "The Girl from Ipanema." Recorded in 1964 alongside her then-husband João Gilberto and composer Antônio Carlos Jobim, she became a global sensation, introducing the world to the seductive rhythms and smooth melodies of bossa nova. Gilberto's ethereal vocals and her ability to effortlessly convey emotion through her music became her trademark. Her talent extended far beyond "The Girl from Ipanema," as she continued to release a string of critically acclaimed albums, such as "The Astrud Gilberto Album" and "Beach Samba," captivating audiences with her soothing voice and intimate interpretations. Throughout her career, Astrud Gilberto collaborated with many renowned musicians of her time, including Stan Getz, Walter Wanderley, and Quincy Jones.

Another death is that of Cynthia Weil (82) who, together with her husband Barry Mann, wrote numerous hit songs. Weil began her career in the 1960s and gained prominence in the famous Brill Building, where she met Barry Mann, and they began collaborating on music together. The duo became one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in the industry. Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann wrote numerous chart-topping hits during the 1960s and 1970s, including "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" (The Righteous Brothers), "On Broadway" (The Drifters) and "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" (The Animals). Other early classics included 'Bless You' by Tony Orlando, 'Where Have You Been' by Arthur Alexander, 'He's Sure the Boy I Love' by the Crystals, and 'Kicks' by Paul Revere and the Raiders. Weil and Mann's songwriting prowess was recognized with several accolades. They were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987, and they received the Johnny Mercer Award, a prestigious honour for outstanding achievements in the field of songwriting. In addition to her work with Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil has collaborated with other songwriters and artists throughout her career. She co-wrote the song "Here You Come Again" performed by Dolly Parton, which became a major hit in 1977. She also worked with composer James Horner on the soundtrack for the film "An American Tail," co-writing the Academy Award-nominated song "Somewhere Out There." NB: These were part written by ChatGPT. Cheating or just common sense?