Sergio Mendes, the innovative and influential pianist, composer and arranger who was one of Brazil’s earliest contemporary crossover artists, died Friday in Los Angeles, his family has confirmed. No cause of death was announced, although he recently suffered from long-term COVID. He was 83. Mendes “passed away peacefully” in his hometown of Los Angeles, according to a statement from his family cited in the Guardian. “His wife and musical partner for the past 54 years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was by his side, as were his loving children. Mendes last performed in November 2023 to sold out and wildly enthusiastic houses...