“Bim-Bom” By João Gilberto

Yesterday we lost João Gilberto, a guitarist, vocalist, and composer who is considered one of the creators of bossa nova or “new trend” style of Brazilian music. Along with Laurindo Almeida, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and Sérgio Mendes, Gilberto was a giant of the musical form and his compositions and recordings continue to influence modern music today.

Gilberto was given his first guitar at 14 from his wealthy father. He then dropped out of school, and at the age of 18 began recording music as a vocalist.  Worried by his son's career choice João’s father had him committed to a mental hospital. Lucky for us he was released one week later, rejoined forces with his musical friends in Rio (most notably Antônio Carlos Jobim) and the rest is musical history. 

“Bim-Bom” was originally composed in 1956 but recorded for the 1959 groundbreaking album Chega De Saudade. Released on Odeon Records, it’s often considered the first recorded bossa nova song. Gilberto wrote it after he watched laundresses pass by, balancing laundry on their heads and swaying as they walked.
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I adore this song. It’s as playful as it is breezy and always places a smile on my face. João Gilberto will be missed.