Today’s classic song of the day is an easy listening track from Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66. “Pretty World” was released as a single in May of 1969 and, while it only hit #62 on the Billboard Hot 100, it got a ton of airplay on easy listening stations across the country and went all the way to #4 on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart. Stevie Wonder supposedly told Mr. Mendes that “Pretty World” was one of his favorite songs.
“Pretty World” was originally written, in Portuguese, by Tibério Gaspar and Antonio Adolfo for Brazilian singer Wilson Simonal. The original Portuguese title was “Sá Marina” and the original lyrics were about a girl named Sá Marina who “came to dance.” English language lyrics were supplied by old pros Alan and Marilyn Bergman and had nothing to do with the original lyrics. The Brasil ’66 version was arranged by Dave Grusin.
Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 consisted of Mr. Mendes on keyboards, Lani Hall (Herb Alpert’s future wife) and Karen Philipp on vocals, Tião Neto on bass, Dom Um Romão on drums, and Rubens Bassini on percussion. “Pretty World” appeared on the group’s 1969 album, Crystal Illusions, which also included covers of “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and “You Stepped Out of a Dream.”
Which brings us to today’s daily bonus video of the day, Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 performing “Pretty World” on some television show back in 1969. That’s Lani Hall on the left, Karen Philipp on the right. I really dig that little signature piano lick that Mr. Mendes plays.
