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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 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. 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 and in vocal percussion, like his recreation of a bass and drums simultaneously, 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 1989, he composed and performed the music for the Pixar short film Knick Knack. The rough cut to which McFerrin recorded his vocals had the words "blah blah blah" in place of the end credits. McFerrin spontaneously decided to sing "blah blah blah" as lyrics, and the final version of the short film includes these lyrics during the end credits.
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.
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".
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In popular culture
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 the subject of a parody in the television series Family Guy, where during one of Stewie Griffen's flashbacks he falls down a flight of stairs while making vocal percussion noises every time his body hits one of the stairs.
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Rumor
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.
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Solo
Spontaneous Inventions, 1985
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Collaborations
Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea, Play, 1990
Bobby McFerrin & Yo-Yo Ma, Hush, 1991
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Guest Appearances
Various Artists, The Young Lions, 1983
Various Artists, A Tribute to Thelonius Monk, 1984
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Grammys
1985, Best Jazz Vocal Performance, male, "Another Night In Tunisia" with Jon Hendricks
1985, Best Vocal Arrangement for two or more voices, "Another Night In Tunisia" with Cheryl Bentyne
1986, Best Jazz Vocal Performance, male, "Round Midnight"
1987, Best Jazz Vocal Performance, male, "What Is This Thing Called Love"
1987, Best Recording for Children, "The Elephants’ Child" with Jack Nicholson
1988, Song of the year, Best Pop Vocal Performance, male, Record of the year, "Don’t Worry, Be Happy"
1988, Best Jazz Vocal Performance, male, "Brothers"
1992, Best Jazz Vocal Performance, "Round Midnight"
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