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.
Personal Details
Movies (35)
Cypher
Original Music Composer (Sound)
2023
Nin E Tepueian: My Cry
Music (Sound)
2020
Bobby McFerrin - Circlesongs
as himself
2018
Chick Corea: The Musician
as Self
2017
The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble
as Self
2016
What Would Beethoven Do?
as Self
2016
Bobby McFerrin Spirityouall au festival Jazz a Vienne
2014
Alive Inside
2014
Bobby McFerrin - Alfa Jazz Festival 2013
as Himself Vocals
2013
Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea Duet - Jazz A Vienne
as Himself
2012
Art
2008
Chick Corea Rendezvous in New York - Chick Corea & Bobby McFerrin Duet
as Vocals
2005
Bobby McFerrin - Live in Montreal
as Himself
2005
Bobby McFerrin: Try This at Home
as Himself
2005
Herbie Hancock Special
2004
Then and Now: 1981-2004
Music (Sound)
2004
Hush!
Music (Sound)
2001
Big Mama
Original Music Composer (Sound)
2000
George Martin: In My Life
as Self
1998
The Wizard of Oz on Ice
as Host / The Wizard of Oz
1996
Creating The Wizard of Oz on Ice
as Himself
1995
Son of the Pink Panther
as Self (uncredited)
1993
Without Me
Music (Sound)
1993
Umbria Jazz Story
as himself
1993
For Our Children
as Self
1993
Simply Mad About the Mouse
as Self
1991
Everyone's Channel
Music (Sound)
1990
Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1989
Knick Knack
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1989
Live at Munich Summer Piano Festiva
1988
A Beverly Hills Christmas
as Self
1987
Santabear's High Flying Adventure
as Santabear / Bullybear (voice)
1987
Bobby McFerrin: Spontaneous Inventions
as Himself
1987
Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories
as Vocalist (voice)
1987
The Elephant's Child
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1986
