Bobby McFerrin
Born: 1950-03-11 in Manhattan, New York, USA
Known For: Acting
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.
Filmography
2023
- Cypher ... (Original Music Composer)
2020
- Nin E Tepueian: My Cry ... (Music)
2018
- Bobby McFerrin - Circlesongs as himself
2017
- Chick Corea: The Musician as Self
2016
2013
- Bobby McFerrin - Alfa Jazz Festival 2013 as Himself Vocals
2012
2011
- Hamburg Journal as self
2010
- Masterclass as Self
2008
2005
- Bobby McFerrin: Try This at Home as Himself
- Bobby McFerrin - Live in Montreal as Himself
- Chick Corea Rendezvous in New York - Chick Corea & Bobby McFerrin Duet as Vocals
2004
- Then and Now: 1981-2004 ... (Music)
- Herbie Hancock Special
2001
- Hush! ... (Music)
2000
- Big Mama ... (Original Music Composer)
1999
- Where Are They Now? as Self
1998
- George Martin: In My Life as Self
1996
- The Wizard of Oz on Ice as Host / The Wizard of Oz
1995
- Creating The Wizard of Oz on Ice as Himself
1993
- Without Me ... (Music)
- Son of the Pink Panther as Self (uncredited)
- For Our Children as Self
- Umbria Jazz Story as himself
1991
- Simply Mad About the Mouse as Self
1990
- Everyone's Channel ... (Music)
1989
- Knick Knack ... (Original Music Composer)
- Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt ... (Original Music Composer)
- The Jim Henson Hour as Himself
1987
- Santabear's High Flying Adventure as Santabear / Bullybear (voice)
- Bobby McFerrin: Spontaneous Inventions as Himself
- A Beverly Hills Christmas as Self
- Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories as Vocalist (voice)
1986
- The Elephant's Child ... (Original Music Composer)
1975
- Saturday Night Live as Self - Musical Guest
1971
- Great Performances as Self - Host