Bobby McFerrin
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.
Acting
TV
Saturday Night Live
as Self - Musical Guest
1975
Movie
Son of the Pink Panther
as Self (uncredited)
1993
TV
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
as Self
1962
Movie
Alive Inside
2014
TV
Great Performances
as Self - Host
1971
Movie
The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble
as Self
2016
TV
The Jim Henson Hour
as Self
1989
Movie
The Wizard of Oz on Ice
as Host / The Wizard of Oz
1996
Movie
For Our Children
as Self
1993
Movie
Bobby McFerrin - Live in Montreal
as Himself
2005
Movie
Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea Duet - Jazz A Vienne
as Himself
2012
Movie
Simply Mad About the Mouse
as Self
1991
Movie
A Beverly Hills Christmas
as Self
1987
Movie
George Martin: In My Life
as Self
1998
Movie
Creating The Wizard of Oz on Ice
as Self
1995
Movie
Santabear's High Flying Adventure
as Santabear / Bullybear (voice)
1987
TV
Where Are They Now?
as Self
1999
Movie
Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories
as Vocalist (voice)
1987
Movie
Art
2008
Movie
Bobby McFerrin - Alfa Jazz Festival 2013
as Himself Vocals
2013
Movie
Chick Corea Rendezvous in New York - Chick Corea & Bobby McFerrin Duet
as Vocals
2005
Movie
Bobby McFerrin - Circlesongs
as himself
2018
Movie
Bobby McFerrin: Spontaneous Inventions
as Himself
1987
Movie
Umbria Jazz Story
as himself
1993
Crew
Movie
Knick Knack
Original Music Composer
1989
Movie
Son of the Pink Panther
Theme Song Performance
1993
Movie
Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt
Original Music Composer
1989
Movie
Hush!
Music
2001
Movie
Big Mama
Original Music Composer
2000
Movie
Cypher
Original Music Composer
2023
Movie
The Elephant's Child
Original Music Composer
1986
Movie
Nin E Tepueian: My Cry
Music
2020
Movie
Without Me
Music
1993
Movie
Art
Music
2008
Movie
Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories
Music
1987
Movie
Then and Now: 1981-2004
Music
2004