Bobby McFerrin
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Bobby McFerrin (born New York City, March 11, 1950) is a jazz-influenced a cappella vocal performer and conductor. He is the son of well-known soloist Robert McFerrin. His song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" (featured in the 1988 movie Cocktail starring Tom Cruise) was a #1 U.S. pop hit in 1988. Despite that, the song is often miscredited to Bob Marley. He has also worked in collaboration with instrumental performers including pianists Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. He is known for possessing a large vocal range of four octaves and for his ability to use his voice to create sound effects, like his recreation of a bass, which he achieves by singing while tapping on his chest.
In 1987, he sang the theme tune to The Cosby Show and soon after also provided the music for a Cadburys chocolate commercial.
In 1993, he also sang Henry Mancini's Pink Panther theme tune for the movie Son of the Pink Panther.
In addition to his vocal performing career, Mr. McFerrin was appointed in 1994 as creative chair of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.
McFerrin is the subject of a persistent yet wholly unfounded rumour that he has committed suicide. The rumor was so strong that the official Bobby McFerrin [FAQ] addressed the question.
McFerrin and his hit "Don't Worry, Be Happy" were parodied on "The Simpsons" as "I'm Worried - Need Money".
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" was again parodied on "Futurama" as "Don't Worry, Bee Happy".
He was shown on the TV show Family Guy falling down the stairs. He also provided the voice of a singing caveman in the episode "The Fat Guy Strangler".
Discography
Solo
- Bobby McFerrin, 1982
- The Voice, 1984
- Spontaneous Inventions, 1985
- Elephant's Child, 1987
- Don't Worry, Be Happy, 1988
- Simple Pleasures, 1988
- How the Rhino Got His Skin/How the Camel Got His Hump, 1990
- Medicine Music, 1990
- Many Faces of Bird, 1991
- Sorrow Is Not Forever, 1994
- Paper Music, 1995
- Bang! Zoom, 1997
- Circlesongs, 1997
- Don't Worry, Be Happy!, 1997
- Mouth Music, 2001
- Beyond Words, 2003 - featuring Chick Corea, Cyro Baptista and Richard Bona
Collaborations
- Bobby McFerrin & Jack Nicholson, The Just So Stories, 1987
- Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea, Play, 1990
- Bobby McFerrin & Yo-Yo Ma, Hush, 1991
- Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea, The Mozart Sessions, 1996
Guest Appearances
- Pharaoh Sanders, Journey to the One, 1980
- Grover Washington, The best is yet to come, 1982
- Various Artists, The Young Lions, 1983
- Charles Lloyd Quartet, A Night in Copenhagen, 1984
- Various Artists, A Tribute to Thelonius Monk, 1984
- Chico Freeman, Tangents, 1984
- Michael Hedges, Watching My Life Go By, 1985
- The Manhattan Transfer, Vocalese, 1985
- Joe Zawinul, Dialects, 1986
- Weather Report, The Sportin’ Life, 1986
- Al Jarreau, Heart’s Horizon, 1988
- Quincy Jones, Back on the Block, 1989
- Laurie Anderson, Strange Angels, 1989
- Gal Costa, The Laziest Gal in Town, 1991
- Jack DeJohnette, Extra Special Edition, 1994
- The Yellow Jackets, Dreamland, 1995
- George Martin, In My Life, 1998 - on Come Together with Robin Williams
- Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Little Worlds, 2003
- Chick Corea, Rendez-Vous in New York, 2003
- Wynton Marsalis, Magic Hour, 2004
Grammys
- 1985 "Another Night In Tunisia" with Jon Hendricks
- *"Best Jazz Vocal Performance, male"
- 1985 "Another Night In Tunisia" with Cheryl Bentyne
- *"Best Vocal Arrangement for two or more voices"
- 1986 "Round Midnight“
- *"Best Jazz Vocal Performance, male"
- 1987 "What Is This Thing Called Love“
- *"Best Jazz Vocal Performance, male"
- 1987 "The Elephants’ Child" with Jack Nicholson
- *"Best Recording for Children"
- 1988 "Don’t Worry, Be Happy"
- *"Record of the year",
- * "Song of the year",
- * "Best Pop Vocal Performance, male"
- 1988 "Brothers"
- *"Best Jazz Vocal Performance, male"
- 1992 "Round Midnight"
- *"Best Jazz Vocal Performance"
External links
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