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
Cast Credits
Bobby McFerrin - Circlesongs
Character: himself
MOVIE • 2018
The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2016
What Would Beethoven Do?
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2016
Bobby McFerrin Spirityouall au festival Jazz a Vienne
Character:
MOVIE • 2014
Alive Inside
Character:
MOVIE • 2014
Bobby McFerrin - Alfa Jazz Festival 2013
Character: Himself Vocals
MOVIE • 2013
Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea Duet - Jazz A Vienne
Character: Himself
MOVIE • 2012
Hamburg Journal
Character: self
TV • 2011
Masterclass
Character: Self
TV • 2010
Art
Character:
MOVIE • 2008
Chick Corea Rendezvous in New York - Chick Corea & Bobby McFerrin Duet
Character: Vocals
MOVIE • 2005
Bobby McFerrin - Live in Montreal
Character: Himself
MOVIE • 2005
Bobby McFerrin: Try This at Home
Character: Himself
MOVIE • 2005
Herbie Hancock Special
Character:
MOVIE • 2004
Where Are They Now?
Character: Self
TV • 1999
George Martin: In My Life
Character: Self
MOVIE • 1998
The Wizard of Oz on Ice
Character: Host / The Wizard of Oz
MOVIE • 1996
Creating The Wizard of Oz on Ice
Character: Himself
MOVIE • 1995
Son of the Pink Panther
Character: Self (uncredited)
MOVIE • 1993
Umbria Jazz Story
Character: himself
MOVIE • 1993
Crew
Crew Credits
Cypher
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 2023
Nin E Tepueian: My Cry
Role: Music
MOVIE • 2020
Art
Role: Music
MOVIE • 2008
Then and Now: 1981-2004
Role: Music
MOVIE • 2004
Hush!
Role: Music
MOVIE • 2001
Big Mama
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 2000
Son of the Pink Panther
Role: Theme Song Performance
MOVIE • 1993
Without Me
Role: Music
MOVIE • 1993
Everyone's Channel
Role: Music
MOVIE • 1990
Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 1989
Knick Knack
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 1989
Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories
Role: Music
MOVIE • 1987
The Elephant's Child
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 1986