Academy Award-nominated and three-time Grammy Award-winning musician Sergio Mendes is the featured artist in the latest episode of our original series, Luckman Sessions.

From his pioneering contributions to the foundations of bossa nova alongside the likes of Antônio Carlos Jobim, through the era-defining Latin-pop sound of his iconic group Brasil ’66, his scintillating collaborations with other musical legends, and his 21st-century reinvention with the Black Eyed Peas and John Legend for his Oscar-nominated theme song from the animated film Rio.

In this episode Mendes reflects on his illustrious career, the birth of Bossa Nova, and the impact it’s had on music and Brazil’s culture. An infectious spirit of joy permeates everything Mendes has ushered into the ears of listeners.