João Gilberto obituary

One of the most important figures in Brazilian music who was known as the father of bossa nova

Joio Gilberto, who has died aged 88, was one of the most important and best loved figures in Brazilian music, who played a key role in the development of bossa nova in the late 1950s and early 60s.

Along with the composer Antinio Carlos "Tom" Jobim, he created a romantic, reflective new style in which samba rhythms were mixed with influences from the American "cool jazz" scene. As a guitarist, he pioneered a new technique that mixed the syncopated plucking of acoustic guitar chords with jazz-influenced harmonies and chord progressions, while as a singer his style was laid-back and understated.