In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Bobby McFerrin

Born: 1950. Living in: United States

On the 11th of March, 1950, Bobby McFerrin was born. His parents were classical singers and he began to study music theory early on in his life. His family then moved to Los Angeles. During high school and then in College, UCSC, he focused on the piano. Once he finished college, Bobby McFerrin toured with numerous bands including the Ice Follies.

However, it was only in 1977 that Bobby McFerrin decide to become a singer. At one point he met Bill Cosby who arranged for him take part in the 1980 Playboy Jazz Festival. It was only two years later where he released his firm album called "Bobby McFerrin" in 1982. It was in 1983, that Bobby McFerrin started converting without a band. This eventually led him to make a solo tour in Germany. It was in Germany that he recorded his album "The Voice". From that point on, he continued to make solo tours in the most prestigious locations. It is also important to realize that Bobby McFerrin worked with several important people like Garrison Keillor, Jack Nicholson, and Joe Zawinul. On "Another Night in Tunisia", Bobby McFerrin won two Grammies.

Groups directed - Voicestra

Media Articles
Los Angeles Times, McFerrin's Latest Big Hit: Voicestra

Arrangements | Recordings | Trax CDs | Bobby McFerrin Videos

Bobby McFerrin : Charts Package

Without a doubt one of the most popular songs of the 20th century, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" is re-created here in an exact transcription of the Bobby McFerrin's original hit recording from the album "Simple Pleasures." 3 Soprano parts, 2 Alto parts, and a very hip Bass line back up the soloist or soloists of your choice - a cappella. Great fun to sing and to hear! A reverent and truly beautiful rendition of the widely known "23rd Psalm," this piece is frequently used in religious services. It's pace is slow and contemplative, and the music enhances the beauty of the language. As recorded on Bobby's "Medicine Music" CD. In "Grace," alto, tenor, and bass voices suggest the chant-like song of a carillon while the sopranos create a rhapsodic melody. This meditative score is enhanced with rhythmic breathing and optional parts for two cellos or cello section. Transcribed from "Hush," Bobby's duo album with Yo-Yo Ma. Each of Bobby's arrangements comes with extensive performance notes. With text adapted from the Book of Matthew, "Manna" provides a simple refrain with wonderfully textured variations that bring light to the thought "Whoever believes in Me will live forever." "Manna" includes a through-composed piano part as an additional color in the ensemble. "Come to Me" is rhythmic music full of life, freedom, and joy. An up-tempo piece to make everyone feel good, "come to me" with text adapted from the Book of John, includes parts for vocal percussion, body percussion, and handclaps. As recorded on Bobby's "Simple Pleasures" CD.

Songlist: knickknack, Don't Worry Be Happy, Grace, 23rd Psalm, Manna, Come to Me

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-8 of 8 items.

Bobby McFerrin : 23rd Psalm

A reverent and truly beautiful rendition of the widely known Psalm, frequently used in religious services. It's pace is slow and contemplative and the music enhances the beauty of the language. As recorded on Bobby's Medicine Music CD.

Performed By: Bobby McFerrin

Bobby McFerrin : Don't Worry Be Happy

Without a doubt one of the most popular songs of the 20th century, Don't Worry, Be Happy is re-created here in an exact transcription of the Bobby McFerrin's original hit recording from the album Simple Pleasures. 3 soprano parts, 2 alto parts, and a very hip bass line back up the soloist or soloists of your choice.

Performed By: Bobby McFerrin

Kirby Shaw : Don't Worry, Be Happy

The light-hearted caribbean flavor of this unique piece took the country by storm! Kirby transcribes Bobby McFerrin's hit for today's a cappella ensemble. Available: SATB a cappella. Performance Time: 4:12.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw Performed By: Bobby McFerrin

Audrey Snyder : Don't Worry, Be Happy

What a great way to introduce the music of Bobby McFerrin to younger choirs! Winning the Grammy in 1989, this hit tune will bring a smile to everyone's face! Includes parts for Flute 1 & 2. Discovery Level 2. Available separately: 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:30.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder Performed By: Bobby McFerrin

Bobby McFerrin : Grace

Alto, tenor, and bass voices suggest the chant-like song of a carillon while the sopranos create a rhapsodic melody. This meditative score is enhanced with rhythmic breathing and optional parts for two cellos or cello section. Beautifully transcribed from Hush, Bobby's duo album with Yo-Yo Ma.

Performed By: Bobby McFerrin

Bobby McFerrin : knickknack

The music from the hilarious Pixar short film of the same name which preceded Disney's Finding Nemo in movie theaters and on DVD. Great fun to sing and not hard to learn, 'Knickknack' provides charming musical accompaniment to an animated love-story-with-a-sense-of-humor. Audiences will recognize it instantly (unless they were out on the popcorn line).

Performed By: Bobby McFerrin

Bobby McFerrin : Manna

With text adapted from the Book of Matthew, Manna provides a simple refrain with wonderfully textured variations that bring light to the thought "Whoever believes in Me will live forever." 'Manna' includes a through-composed piano part as an additional color in the ensemble.

Performed By: Bobby McFerrin

Bobby McFerrin : The 23rd Psalm (dedicated to my mother)

This ethereal transcription, as recorded by Bobby McFerrin, provides a new and different setting for this cherished Psalm. The very free, almost chant-like rhythms and repetitive harmonies of this a cappella piece, coupled with an original paraphrase of the text, produce a very contemporary perspective on the well-known words of assurance. Especially useful for Good Shepherd Sunday. Available: SATB a cappella.

Performed By: Bobby McFerrin