Bobby McFerrin
American jazz vocalist, Grammy Award winner, and pioneering solo vocal artist celebrated for extraordinary improvisational technique and the global hit "Don't Worry, Be Happy."
Bobby McFerrin - Personal Information
- Name: Bobby McFerrin
- Date of Birth: March 11, 1950
- Place of Birth: Manhattan, New York, USA
- Gender: Male
- Job Title: Actor
- Crew Jobs: Music, Original Music Composer, Theme Song Performance
Biography
Robert Keith McFerrin Jr. (born March 11, 1950) is an American jazz vocalist. He is known for his vocal techniques, such as singing fluidly but with quick and considerable jumps in pitch—for example, sustaining a melody while also rapidly alternating with arpeggios and harmonies—as well as scat singing, polyphonic overtone singing, and improvisational vocal percussion. He is widely known for performing and recording regularly as an unaccompanied solo vocal artist. He has frequently collaborated with other artists from both the jazz and classical scenes.
McFerrin's song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" was a No. 1 U.S. pop hit in 1988 and won Song of the Year and Record of the Year honors at the 1989 Grammy Awards. McFerrin has also worked in collaboration with instrumentalists, including pianists Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Joe Zawinul, drummer Tony Williams, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. He is the father of musicians Taylor McFerrin and Madison McFerrin.
Selected Filmography
A selection of Bobby McFerrin's notable screen appearances and musical contributions across film and television.
- Bobby McFerrin - Circlesongs (2018) as himself
- Chick Corea: The Musician (2017) as Self
- The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (2016) as Self
- What Would Beethoven Do? (2016) as Self
- Bobby McFerrin Spirityouall au festival Jazz a Vienne (2014)
- Alive Inside (2014)
- Bobby McFerrin - Alfa Jazz Festival 2013 (2013) as Himself Vocals
- Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea Duet - Jazz A Vienne (2012) as Himself
- Hamburg Journal (TV - 2011) as self
- Masterclass (TV - 2010) as Self
External Links
Explore further resources and official profiles for Bobby McFerrin.