Final answer:
Antonio Carlos Jobim was pivotal in popularizing Bossa Nova, a music genre blending samba and jazz, resulting in smooth, melodic compositions with complex harmonies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antonio Carlos Jobim popularized a genre of music known as Bossa Nova, which is a fusion of samba and jazz. Bossa Nova emerged in Brazil in the late 1950s and early 1960s, characterized by its smooth melodies, complex harmonies, and a new rhythmic pattern based on the Brazilian samba. Jobim not only brought this style to international prominence, but he also became known for classics such as 'The Girl from Ipanema' and 'Corcovado' which showcased the distinct Bossa Nova style. This music style is unique because it blends the rhythmical patterns and percussion of samba with the improvisational elements of jazz.