Bobby McFerrin

Bobby McFerrin

75 · Born: Mar 11, 1950

Personal Details

BornMar 11, 1950 Manhattan, New York, USA

Biography

Robert Keith McFerrin Jr., a distinguished American jazz vocalist, made his entrance into the world on March 11, 1950. He has garnered widespread acclaim for his extraordinary vocal techniques, which are characterized by an effortless fluidity, marked by sudden and striking jumps in pitch. This singular approach enables him to maintain melodies while simultaneously executing rapid-fire arpeggios and harmonies, a feat that has garnered admiration from critics and audiences alike. Furthermore, McFerrin is renowned for his exceptional scat singing abilities, his proficiency in polyphonic overtone singing, and his impressive improvisational vocal percussion skills, which have solidified his reputation as a master of his craft.

Bobby McFerrin is a renowned solo artist who has consistently pushed the boundaries of his craft by performing and recording without accompaniment, thereby showcasing his exceptional vocal talents.

Throughout his illustrious career, McFerrin has had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse array of artists from both the jazz and classical genres, further enriching his musical landscape.

His body of work has been met with widespread critical acclaim, with his chart-topping single "Don't Worry, Be Happy" reigning supreme on the U.S. pop charts in 1988.

This iconic song, which has become synonymous with McFerrin's name, went on to garner the highest honors at the 1989 Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, cementing his status as a musical legend.

As a testament to his enduring influence, McFerrin's music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, solidifying his place as one of the most innovative and accomplished vocalists of his generation.

His impressive discography is a testament to his versatility and range, as he seamlessly blends elements of jazz, classical, and pop to create a unique sound that is at once both timeless and modern.

With a career spanning over four decades, McFerrin has established himself as a true master of his craft, and his music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of all ages.

As a result, his legacy extends far beyond the realm of music, as he has inspired countless artists and musicians to push the boundaries of their own creativity and innovation.

In short, Bobby McFerrin is a true icon in the world of music, and his contributions to the art form are a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion.

Person Biography:

Bobby McFerrin was born on March 11, 1950, in Manhattan, New York. He began his musical journey at an early age, studying piano and singing in his church choir.

McFerrin's early influences included jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as classical musicians like Mozart and Bach.

He went on to study music at the University of California, Berkeley, where he honed his skills as a singer and developed his unique vocal style.

After graduating, McFerrin began his professional career as a member of the a cappella group Voicestra, before embarking on a successful solo career.

Throughout his career, McFerrin has received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Despite his many accomplishments, McFerrin remains humble and dedicated to his craft, continuing to tour and record music to this day.

Noted vocalist Bobby McFerrin has had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of exceptional instrumentalists throughout his illustrious career. This esteemed group includes the highly acclaimed pianists Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Joe Zawinul, each of whom has made significant contributions to the world of jazz. Additionally, McFerrin has had the opportunity to work alongside the renowned drummer Tony Williams, whose impressive skills have been showcased in a variety of musical settings. Furthermore, the celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma has also been a part of McFerrin's musical journey, bringing his unique talent and artistry to their collaborative efforts.

As a proud father, McFerrin has also had the joy of watching his own children, Taylor McFerrin and Madison McFerrin, pursue their passions in the music industry. Taylor, a talented singer-songwriter and producer, has made a name for himself in the electronic and R&B genres, while Madison, a gifted singer and songwriter, has also made significant strides in the music world. This remarkable family legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together and inspire future generations.

Career

{"id":18831,"title":"Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory","year":"2014","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/alive-inside-a-story-of-music-and-memory","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7sic27t6m4h0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7sic27t6m4h0.jpg"},"released":1}
2014
{"id":157336,"title":"The Wizard of Oz on Ice","year":"1996","character":"Host \/ The Wizard of Oz","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-wizard-of-oz-on-ice","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_157336.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_157336.jpg"},"released":1}
1996
The Wizard of Oz on Ice
The Wizard of Oz on Ice as Host / The Wizard of Oz
{"id":161015,"title":"Santabear's High Flying Adventure","year":"1987","character":"Santabear \/ Bullybear (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/santabears-high-flying-adventure-1987","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_161015.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_161015.jpg"},"released":1}
1987
Santabear's High Flying Adventure
Santabear's High Flying Adventure as Santabear / Bullybear (voice)
{"id":101963,"title":"The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble","year":"2016","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-music-of-strangers-yo-yo-ma-and-the-silk-road-ensemble","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/sijisqgd71s0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/sijisqgd71s0.jpg"},"released":1}
2016
{"id":113106,"title":"What Would Beethoven Do?","year":"2016","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/what-would-beethoven-do","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_113106.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_113106.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":103831283,"title":"Great Performances","year":1996,"character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/great-performances","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103831283.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103831283.jpg"},"released":1}
1996
{"id":157812,"title":"Creating the Wizard of Oz on Ice","year":"1995","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/creating-the-wizard-of-oz-on-ice-1995","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_157812.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_157812.jpg"},"released":1}
1995
{"id":22437,"title":"Son of the Pink Panther","year":"1993","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/son-of-the-pink-panther","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_22437.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_22437.jpg"},"released":1}
1993
{"id":151282,"title":"Bobby McFerrin: Spontaneous Inventions","year":"1987","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bobby-mcferrin-spontaneous-inventions","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_151282.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_151282.jpg"},"released":1}
1987