The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro has declared three days of mourning to honor music legend Dorival Caymmi, who died Saturday at the age of 94.

Brazilian singer Dorival Caymmi's daughter Nana kisses her father at his wake in Rio de Janeiro, 16 Aug 2008

The mourning period is just one of the many tributes expected for the deep-voiced grandfather of bossa nova.

The singer had kidney cancer and multiple organ failure when he died at his home in Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana district.

Caymmi rose to fame in the 1930s after writing a song that helped launch the Hollywood career of entertainer Carmen Miranda.  The composer poured the African heritage and rhythms of his home state Bahia into the song, What is it about Bahian women? (O Que e Que a Baiana Tem?), making it a popular hit.

Caymmi wrote more than 100 songs and recorded nearly 20 albums, inspiring generations of musicians.

Caymmi is survived by his wife, singer Stella Maris, and three children.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.