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 operatic baritone 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 addition to his vocal performing career, Mr. McFerrin was appointed in 1994 as creative chair of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.
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".
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.
* 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
* 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"
