
Person
Bobby McFerrin
Acting · Born 1950-03-11 · Manhattan, New York, USA
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
Self

Saturday Night Live
Self - Musical Guest

Great Performances
Self - Host
Where Are They Now?
Self

The Jim Henson Hour
Self
Hamburg Journal
self

Son of the Pink Panther
Self (uncredited)

For Our Children
Self

Masterclass
Self

Knick Knack
Original Music Composer
Filmography
- 2023CypherOriginal Music Composer
- 2020Nin E Tepueian: My CryMusic
- 2018Bobby McFerrin - Circlesongshimself
- 2017Chick Corea: The MusicianSelf
- 2016The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road EnsembleSelf
- 2016What Would Beethoven Do?Self
- 2014Bobby McFerrin Spirityouall au festival Jazz a Vienne
- 2014Alive Inside
- 2013Bobby McFerrin - Alfa Jazz Festival 2013Himself Vocals
- 2012Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea Duet - Jazz A VienneHimself
- 2011Hamburg Journalself
- 2010MasterclassSelf
- 2008Art
- 2005Chick Corea Rendezvous in New York - Chick Corea & Bobby McFerrin DuetVocals
- 2005Bobby McFerrin - Live in MontrealHimself
- 2005Bobby McFerrin: Try This at HomeHimself
- 2004Herbie Hancock Special
- 2004Then and Now: 1981-2004Music
- 2001Hush!Music
- 2000Big MamaOriginal Music Composer
- 1999Where Are They Now?Self
- 1998George Martin: In My LifeSelf
- 1996The Wizard of Oz on IceHost / The Wizard of Oz
- 1995Creating The Wizard of Oz on IceSelf
- 1993Son of the Pink PantherSelf (uncredited)
- 1993Without MeMusic
- 1993Umbria Jazz Storyhimself
- 1993For Our ChildrenSelf
- 1991Simply Mad About the MouseSelf
- 1990Everyone's ChannelMusic
- 1989Common Threads: Stories from the QuiltOriginal Music Composer
- 1989Knick KnackOriginal Music Composer
- 1989The Jim Henson HourSelf
- 1988Live at Munich Summer Piano Festiva
- 1987A Beverly Hills ChristmasSelf
- 1987Santabear's High Flying AdventureSantabear / Bullybear (voice)
- 1987Bobby McFerrin: Spontaneous InventionsHimself
- 1987Rabbit Ears - How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin/How the Camel Got His HumpMusic
- 1987Rudyard Kipling's Just So StoriesVocalist (voice)
- 1986The Elephant's ChildOriginal Music Composer
- 1975Saturday Night LiveSelf - Musical Guest
- 1971Great PerformancesSelf - Host
- 1962The Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonSelf
- —Snétberger Ferenc - Solo Duo Trioself
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