Bobby McFerrin
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.
Acted in
Bobby McFerrin - Circlesongs
2018
as himself
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
Masterclass
2010
as Self
Art
2008
Chick Corea Rendezvous in New York - Chick Corea & Bobby McFerrin Duet
2005
as Vocals
Bobby McFerrin - Live in Montreal
2005
as Himself
Bobby McFerrin: Try This at Home
2005
as Himself
Herbie Hancock Special
2004
Where Are They Now?
1999
as Self
George Martin: In My Life
1998
as Self
The Wizard of Oz on Ice
1996
as Host / The Wizard of Oz
Creating The Wizard of Oz on Ice
1995
as Himself
Son of the Pink Panther
1993
as Self (uncredited)
Umbria Jazz Story
1993
as himself
For Our Children
1993
as Self
Simply Mad About the Mouse
1991
as Self
The Jim Henson Hour
1989
as Himself
Live at Munich Summer Piano Festiva
1988
A Beverly Hills Christmas
1987
as Self
Santabear's High Flying Adventure
1987
as Santabear / Bullybear (voice)
Bobby McFerrin: Spontaneous Inventions
1987
as Himself
Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories
1987
as Vocalist (voice)
Great Performances
1971
as Self - Host