American singer-songwriter, conductor, arranger and record producer Bobby McFerrin was born 75 years ago as Robert Keith McFerrin Jr in New York City, is married and has 3 children.
As a student, Bobby attended high school, then college and finalised his studies in 2 different universities. Both his parents were singers, his dad was an operatic baritone whilst his mum was a soloist. He learnt the piano and percussion and spent several years reinforcing his music style. He does scat singing, polyphonic overtone singing as well as improvises vocal percussion, plus other vocal techniques.
At the age of 31, in 1982, his debut album was released and over the years, 13 more studio albums were produced plus 6 singles. Two years later, Bobby performed in a jazz festival and 2 years afterwards voiced a character in 2 animated movies. In 1988, Mc Ferrin recorded the number one international hit single ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’, which rendered him famous worldwide.
In numerous occasions, Bobby acted as sideman and performed with other artists and groups in their concerts or recordings of their albums and still does to this day. In addition, he has also composed and performed tracks for a couple of movies. Apart from singing, Mc Ferrin frequently tours the US and Canada, acting as guest conductor of different symphony orchestras. He regularly takes part in several music programmes and also visits schools across the US and gives voluntary lessons as guest music teacher and lecturer.
During his long career, Bobby won 8 Grammy awards, 5 of which were for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. The latest one was received in 2023, a Lifetime Achievement Award.
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