João Gilberto: Brazilian 'father of bossa nova' dies aged 88

The singer and composer was known best as a pioneer of the bossa nova genre, which found international popularity in the 1960s.

Reports say Gilberto died at home in Rio de Janeiro after a period of illness. His son confirmed the news of his death in a Saturday Facebook post.

"His fight was noble, he tried to maintain dignity," Marcelo Gilberto said.

Joao Gilberto introduced bossa nova to the world in 1958: he created a new beat, with his unique guitar style, mixing traditional samba music with modern jazz influences.

His music depicted a period of huge optimism in Brazil: an urban, industrialised country that was building a new capital and dreaming of better

His versions of songs like Quiet Nights and The Girl from Ipanema became standards in world music.

For the past decade, Joao Gilberto lived alone in Rio, struggling with mental health and financial issues.