Bobby McFerrin

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.

Known For

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

Saturday Night Live

Great Performances

The Jim Henson Hour

Son of the Pink Panther

Masterclass

Alive Inside

The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble

All Movies (26)

• Bobby McFerrin - Circlesongs2018 · as himself
• Chick Corea: The Musician2017 · as Self
• The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble2016 · as Self
• What Would Beethoven Do?2016 · as Self
• Bobby McFerrin Spirityouall au festival Jazz a Vienne2014
• Alive Inside2014
• Bobby McFerrin - Alfa Jazz Festival 20132013 · as Himself Vocals
• Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea Duet - Jazz A Vienne2012 · as Himself
• Art2008
• Chick Corea Rendezvous in New York - Chick Corea & Bobby McFerrin Duet2005 · as Vocals
• Bobby McFerrin - Live in Montreal2005 · as Himself
• Bobby McFerrin: Try This at Home2005 · as Himself
• Herbie Hancock Special2004
• George Martin: In My Life1998 · as Self
• The Wizard of Oz on Ice1996 · as Host / The Wizard of Oz
• Creating The Wizard of Oz on Ice1995 · as Self
• Son of the Pink Panther1993 · as Self (uncredited)
• Umbria Jazz Story1993 · as himself
• For Our Children1993 · as Self
• Simply Mad About the Mouse1991 · as Self
• Live at Munich Summer Piano Festiva1988
• A Beverly Hills Christmas1987 · as Self
• Santabear's High Flying Adventure1987 · as Santabear / Bullybear (voice)
• Bobby McFerrin: Spontaneous Inventions1987 · as Himself
• Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories1987 · as Vocalist (voice)
• Snétberger Ferenc - Solo Duo Trio— · as self

All TV Shows (7)

• Hamburg Journal2011 · as self
• Masterclass2010 · as Self
• Where Are They Now?1999 · as Self
• The Jim Henson Hour1989 · as Self
• Saturday Night Live1975 · as Self - Musical Guest
• Great Performances1971 · as Self - Host
• The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson1962 · as Self