Bobby McFerrin

Bobby McFerrin
McFerrin in 2011
Background information
Birth nameRobert Keith McFerrin Jr.
Born (1950-03-11) March 11, 1950
New York City, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • conductor
  • arranger
  • record producer
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano, percussion
Years active1970–present
Labels
Websitebobbymcferrin.com circlesongs.com

Robert Keith McFerrin Jr. (born March 11, 1950) is an American singer, songwriter, and conductor. His vocal techniques include 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 performs and records 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" is the only acapella track to ever reach No. 1 in the US, which it reached in 1988 and additionally won Song of the Year and Record of the Year honors at the 1989 Grammy Awards. McFerrin has also worked in collaboration with jazz fusion instrumentalists including pianists Chick Corea (of Return to Forever), Herbie Hancock (of The Headhunters), and Joe Zawinul (of Weather Report), drummer Tony Williams, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.