Bobby McFerrin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bobby McFerrin
McFerrin in 2011
Background information
Birth name	Robert Keith McFerrin Jr.
Born	(1950-03-11) March 11, 1950 (age 75) New York City, U.S.
Genres	Jazz a cappella vocal world classical vocal jazz
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter conductor arranger record producer
Instruments	Vocals, piano, percussion
Years active	1970–present
Labels	Manhattan Blue Note Elektra Sony Classical

Robert Keith McFerrin Jr. (born March 11, 1950) is a famous American singer, songwriter, and music conductor. He is known for his amazing vocal skills. He can sing a melody and create harmonies at the same time, almost like a one-man band using only his voice.

McFerrin is a master of many vocal styles. He uses scat singing (making up sounds like an instrument), polyphonic singing (singing multiple notes at once), and even creates drum sounds with his mouth, called vocal percussion. He often performs completely by himself, without any instruments.

His most famous song is "Don't Worry, Be Happy" from 1988. It was the first a cappella song (sung without instruments) to ever reach number one on the U.S. music charts. The song also won major Grammy Award honors. McFerrin has also worked with many famous musicians, including jazz pianists Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Early Life and Family

Bobby McFerrin was born in Manhattan, New York City, in 1950. Music was a big part of his family. His father, Robert McFerrin, was a famous opera singer. He was the first Black man to be a lead singer at the famous Metropolitan Opera in New York.

His mother, Sara Copper, was also a talented singer and taught voice at a college in Southern California. Growing up in such a musical home helped shape McFerrin's future career. He attended several colleges, including California State University, Sacramento.

Music Career

McFerrin in 1982

McFerrin released his first album, Bobby McFerrin, in 1982 when he was 31 years old. Before that, he spent six years figuring out his unique style. For two of those years, he tried not to listen to other singers so he could create a sound that was completely his own.

The Hit Song: "Don't Worry, Be Happy"

In 1988, McFerrin released "Don't Worry, Be Happy". The cheerful, simple song became a huge worldwide hit. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S.

The song's success changed his life. During the 1988 U.S. presidential election, politician George H. W. Bush used the song for his campaign without McFerrin's permission. McFerrin protested this because he did not support Bush. He later stopped performing the song in his concerts.

Working in Movies and with Orchestras

McFerrin has also created music for movies. In 1989, he made all the sounds and music for the Pixar short film Knick Knack using only his voice. He even sang "blah blah blah" for the end credits because that's what the temporary film showed.

McFerrin in 1994

In 1994, McFerrin took on a new challenge and became a conductor for the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. He has since conducted many famous symphony orchestras around the world, like the New York Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic.

His concerts are unique because he mixes serious conducting with fun vocal improvisations. He often gets the audience and the orchestra members to sing along with him.

Collaborations and Teaching

McFerrin performing with Chick Corea at the New Orleans Jazz Festival in 2008.

Throughout his career, McFerrin has worked with many other artists. He has also dedicated time to music education, teaching and lecturing at schools across the United States.

In 2009, he co-hosted a TV documentary called The Music Instinct, which explored how music affects our brains. He has received many awards for his work, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the A Cappella Music Awards in 2018 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.

What Makes His Voice Special?

McFerrin at a TED conference in 2011.

McFerrin's vocal technique is what makes him so extraordinary. He can quickly jump between his normal singing voice and a high-pitched falsetto voice. This allows him to sing a melody and the background parts all by himself, creating a rich, layered sound.

He also uses his mouth and chest to create popping and drumming sounds, adding a beat to his music. His 1984 album, The Voice, is a perfect example of his talent. It was the first jazz album ever to be recorded by a solo singer with no instruments or extra recorded tracks.

Personal Life

McFerrin is married to Debbie Green, and they have three children: Taylor, Madison, and Jevon. His children Taylor and Madison have also become musicians.

In a 2023 interview, McFerrin shared that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This led him to move from Pennsylvania to San Francisco.

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

Grammy Awards

McFerrin has won many Grammy Awards for his music.

• 1985: Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male for "Another Night in Tunisia"
• 1985: Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices for "Another Night in Tunisia"
• 1986: Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male for "Round Midnight"
• 1987: Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male for "What Is This Thing Called Love"
• 1987: Best Recording for Children for "The Elephant's Child" with actor Jack Nicholson
• 1988: Song of the Year for "Don't Worry, Be Happy"
• 1988: Record of the Year for "Don't Worry, Be Happy"
• 1988: Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male for "Don't Worry, Be Happy"
• 1988: Best Jazz Vocal Performance for "Brothers"
• 1992: Best Jazz Vocal Performance for "Round Midnight"
• 2023: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

See also

In Spanish: Bobby McFerrin para niños