Bobby McFerrin - Solo Performance

An innovative vocalist, composer, and conductor, McFerrin has won ten Grammy Awards. He maintains a highly successful career while continuing to explore and challenge himself in a wide range of musical styles and forms. McFerrin began studying music theory at age 6, shortly before his family relocated to Los Angeles. His father, Robert, performed a solo recital on the CWU campus in 1958. The piano was Bobby's first instrument, and it was not until 1977 that he was inspired to become a singer. After considerable concert success, he released his debut album, Bobby McFerrin, in 1982. McFerrin took a major step in 1983, when he began performing unaccompanied. Throughout his career, he has presented solo concerts in the world's most prestigious venues. Through the 1980s, he expanded his circle of collaborators and award-winning discography, was featured in popular television commercials, and sang the weekly theme for The Cosby Show. He then achieved unparalleled commercial success as a one-man ''vocal ensemble'' with his multi-tracked multi-platinum album Simple Pleasures (1988), which included the worldwide, chart-topping single and video Don't Worry, Be Happy.