Lani Hall: The Voice of Brazilian Jazz and Pop

Lani Hall is an American vocalist and author best known as the longtime lead singer of the Brazilian-influenced group Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, she achieved international success with the group's 1966 hit "Mas Que Nada," which helped popularize Brazilian music globally and sold millions of records.

Early career

Born in 1945, Lani Hall began singing in Chicago clubs as a teenager. Her big break came in 1965 when she successfully auditioned for pianist Sergio Mendes, who was forming a new ensemble to blend bossa nova with American pop.

She became the defining voice of Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, signing with Herb Alpert's A&M Records. The group's sleek, sophisticated sound was built around Hall's intimate, clear-toned English and Portuguese vocals.

Breakthrough

The group's breakthrough was immediate with their 1966 self-titled debut album. The lead single, a cover of Jorge Ben's "Mas Que Nada," became a worldwide phenomenon, propelling the album to gold status and establishing the group as leaders of the burgeoning bossa nova pop wave.

Hall remained with Brasil '66 for seven albums, including the successful Equinox and Look Around, consistently charting on the Billboard 200 and solidifying her status in the jazz-pop genre.

Key tracks

Mas Que Nada — This 1966 smash with Brasil '66 introduced Brazilian rhythms to a massive pop audience and remains her signature recording.

The Look of Love — Hall's breathy, sensual take on this Bacharach/David classic on the 1968 album Look Around became a definitive version.

Night and Day — Her 1982 solo rendition of the Cole Porter standard won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Sun Down — The title track from her 1980 solo album on A&M Records showcased her evolution into a sophisticated adult contemporary artist.

Unforgettable — This duet with Herb Alpert on his 1987 album highlighted their long creative partnership beyond Brasil '66.

Hall launched a solo career in the 1970s and 80s, releasing albums like Sun Down and Double or Nothing. She continued her collaboration with Herb Alpert, contributing vocals to his 1979 hit "Rise" and later marrying him in 1974.

Her 1985 album Es Facil Amar, sung entirely in Spanish, earned a Grammy nomination, demonstrating her linguistic versatility. After a hiatus, she returned with acclaimed albums such as 1998's Brazilian Nights and 2013's live record Seaside, reaffirming her deep connection to Brazilian jazz.

Fans of Lani Hall's smooth fusion of jazz and Brazilian styles may also enjoy Sergio Mendes. His ensembles created the blueprint for the bossa nova pop sound. Listen to Astrud Gilberto for another iconic and coolly delivered voice from the classic Brazilian pop era. The sophisticated pop approach of Herb Alpert is a natural complement, given their frequent collaborations. For contemporary Brazilian-influenced vocals, explore Bebel Gilberto, who carries on the genre's legacy with a modern electronic touch.

Lani Hall's timeless catalog is a staple on sophisticated radio formats, from classic jazz and bossa nova stations to adult contemporary and easy listening FM channels. Her work with Brasil '66 is essential programming for any station dedicated to the sounds of the 1960s and the global spread of Brazilian music.

You can hear the music of Lani Hall, from the classic hits with Brasil '66 to her acclaimed solo work, featured across a variety of radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to discover the enduring appeal of this distinctive voice in jazz and pop.