Bobby McFerrin
Born
March 11, 1950 (75 years old)
Known For
Acting
Place of Birth
Manhattan, New York, USA
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.
Known For
Bobby McFerrin - Circlesongs
himself
2018
The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble
Self
2016
What Would Beethoven Do?
Self
2016
Bobby McFerrin Spirityouall au festival Jazz a Vienne
2014
Alive Inside
2014
Bobby McFerrin - Alfa Jazz Festival 2013
Himself Vocals
2013
Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea Duet - Jazz A Vienne
Himself
2012
Hamburg Journal
self · (1 episode)
2011
Masterclass
Self · (1 episode)
2010
Art
2008
Chick Corea Rendezvous in New York - Chick Corea & Bobby McFerrin Duet
Vocals
2005
Bobby McFerrin - Live in Montreal
Himself
2005
Bobby McFerrin: Try This at Home
Himself
2005
Herbie Hancock Special
2004
Where Are They Now?
Self · (1 episode)
1999
George Martin: In My Life
Self
1998
The Wizard of Oz on Ice
Host / The Wizard of Oz
1996
Creating The Wizard of Oz on Ice
Himself
1995
Son of the Pink Panther
Self (uncredited)
1993
Umbria Jazz Story
himself
1993
For Our Children
Self
1993
Simply Mad About the Mouse
Self
1991
The Jim Henson Hour
Himself · (1 episode)
1989
Live at Munich Summer Piano Festiva
1988
A Beverly Hills Christmas
Self
1987
Santabear's High Flying Adventure
Santabear / Bullybear (voice)
1987
Bobby McFerrin: Spontaneous Inventions
Himself
1987
Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories
Vocalist (voice)
1987
Saturday Night Live
Self - Musical Guest · (1 episode)
1975
Great Performances
Self - Host · (1 episode)
1971
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Self · (2 episodes)
1962