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Bobby McFerrin

File:Bobby_McFerrin_photo_by_Szaniszlo_Ivor_2.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

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Bobby McFerrin

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Also known as El Boquerón Tostao, Robert Keith McFerrin, Jr., Robert McFerrin, Jr., Robert Keith McFerrin

American jazz vocalist and composer (born 1950)

Person · Open Library

Works
2

Top works

  • Don't worry, be happy
  • The Elephant's Child

via Open Library + Wikidata

Film & TV

Acting · Manhattan, New York, USA

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…

Known for

  • Bobby McFerrin - Circlesongs — himself2018
  • Chick Corea: The Musician — Self2017
  • What Would Beethoven Do? — Self2016
  • The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble — Self2016
  • Alive Inside2014
  • Bobby McFerrin Spirityouall au festival Jazz a Vienne2014
  • Bobby McFerrin - Alfa Jazz Festival 2013 — Himself Vocals2013
  • Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea Duet - Jazz A Vienne — Himself2012
  • Hamburg Journal — self2011
  • Masterclass — Self2010

via TMDB

Music · MusicBrainz

Type
Person
Gender
Male
Origin
United States
Active from
1950
classicaljazzsmooth jazzvocalvocal jazzworld

via MusicBrainz · CC0

Listeners · Last.fm

Listeners
921,343
Total plays
6,535,460

Tags

jazzreggaevocala capellasinger-songwriter

Bobby McFerrin (born New York City, March 11, 1950) is a jazz-influenced a cappella vocal performer and conductor. A ten-time Grammy Award winner, he is one of the world's best known vocal innovators and improvisers. His song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" (featured in the 1988 movie Cocktail, and the 2005 movie Jarhead) was a #1 U.S. pop hit in 1988. He has also worked in collaboration with instrumental performers including pianist Chick Corea and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. <a href="https://www.last.fm/music/

via Last.fm · Bobby McFerrin

Key facts

Born
Robert Keith McFerrin Jr. , ( 1950-03-11 ) March 11, 1950 (age 76) , New York City , U.S.
Genres
Jazz a cappella vocal world classical vocal jazz
Occupations
Singer-songwriter conductor arranger record producer
Instruments
Vocals piano
Years active
1970–present
Labels
Manhattan Blue Note Elektra Sony Classical
Website
bobbymcferrin .com circlesongs .com

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Official website
bobbymcferrin.com
Image
Bobby McFerrin 2011.jpg
Show 5 more facts
Commons category
Bobby McFerrin
date of birth
1950-03-11
start of work period
1970-00-00
birth name
Robert Keith McFerrin Jr.
name in native language
Robert McFerrin
Sources (3)

via Wikidata · CC0

~10 min read

Article

Robert Keith McFerrin Jr. (born March 11, 1950) is an American improvisational vocal musician, 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. McFerrin performs and records regularly as an unaccompanied solo vocal artist and has frequently collaborated with other artists from both the jazz and classical scenes.

McFerrin's song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" is the only a cappella 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. He 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, bassist/vocalist Richard Bona and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

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