Robert Keith "Bobby" McFerrin, Jr. (born March 11, 1950) is an American vocalist and conductor. He is best known for his 1988 hit song "
Don't Worry, Be Happy". He is a ten-time
Grammy Award winner, who is known for his unique vocal techniques, such as singing fluidly but with quick and considerable jumps in pitch—for example, sustaining a melody while also rapidly alternating with
arpeggios and harmonies—as well as
scat singing,
polyphonic overtone singing,
vocal basslines, and improvisational
vocal percussion. He is widely known for performing and recording regularly as an unaccompanied solo vocal artist. He has frequently collaborated with other artists, from both the jazz and classical scenes.