Bobby McFerrin
Acting • Born 1950-03-11
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
32 credits
Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories
Movie • 1987
Vocalist (voice)
Bobby McFerrin - Live in Montreal
Movie • 2005
Himself
Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea Duet - Jazz A Vienne
Movie • 2012
Himself
Simply Mad About the Mouse
Movie • 1991
Self
Alive Inside
Movie • 2014
Art
Movie • 2008
Son of the Pink Panther
Movie • 1993
Self (uncredited)
A Beverly Hills Christmas
Movie • 1987
Self
Bobby McFerrin: Spontaneous Inventions
Movie • 1987
Himself
Umbria Jazz Story
Movie • 1993
himself
Herbie Hancock Special
Movie • 2004
Live at Munich Summer Piano Festiva
Movie • 1988
What Would Beethoven Do?
Movie • 2016
Self
For Our Children
Movie • 1993
Self
George Martin: In My Life
Movie • 1998
Self
Bobby McFerrin - Alfa Jazz Festival 2013
Movie • 2013
Himself Vocals
The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble
Movie • 2016
Self
Chick Corea Rendezvous in New York - Chick Corea & Bobby McFerrin Duet
Movie • 2005
Vocals
The Wizard of Oz on Ice
Movie • 1996
Host / The Wizard of Oz
Creating The Wizard of Oz on Ice
Movie • 1995
Himself
Bobby McFerrin - Circlesongs
Movie • 2018
himself
Santabear's High Flying Adventure
Movie • 1987
Santabear / Bullybear (voice)
Bobby McFerrin Spirityouall au festival Jazz a Vienne
Movie • 2014
Bobby McFerrin: Try This at Home
Movie • 2005
Himself
Chick Corea: The Musician
Movie • 2017
Self
Where Are They Now?
TV • 1999
Self
Saturday Night Live
TV • 1975
Self - Musical Guest
Masterclass
TV • 2010
Self
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
TV • 1962
Self
The Jim Henson Hour
TV • 1989
Himself
Great Performances
TV • 1971
Self - Host
Hamburg Journal
TV • 2011
self