Ten-time Grammy award-winner Bobby McFerrin brings jazz and his four-octave vocal range to Centennial Hall on Sunday. Playing from his new album spirityouall, McFerrin’s talented band features a unique interpretation of spiritual faith-based songs and McFerrin’s own compositions.
McFerrin is often linked with his 1988 song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” which won a Grammy award for Song of the Year and became the first a capella song to top charts. The song has continued to be popular over the years, with over 24 million song views on YouTube.
Though many recognize McFerrin for his joyfully infectious 1988 song, his unique vocal range makes him stand apart, both from contemporary singers and the larger global music community.
“It’s like you’re listening to an entire orchestra bubbling up through one man’s body,” NPR wrote last year on McFerrin’s voice. “He becomes a flute, a muted trumpet, a percussion instrument, a bird, you name it.”
On tour with his most recent album, spirityouall, McFerrin creates joyful songs that recognize the past through lyrics and tradition. His father, Robert McFerrin Sr., sung operatic baritone and became the first African-American man to sing at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera. McFerrin told NPR he remembers his father’s influence on music through this new album.
McFerrin’s performances are known for having heart.
“Besides being an incredibly talented live performer, he does sort of make the stage a playground,” said Chad Lehrman, the assistant marketing specialist for UApresents. “I saw him about 10 years ago at Centennial Hall, and he asked the audience, ‘How many people like to sing?’ A bunch of people raised their hands, and he said, ‘OK, um, come up here, come up on stage.’”
McFerrin is known for the joy of his music, which includes his audience involvement, lyrics, unique sounds and stage presence.
“McFerrin’s ground-zero signature is pure enthusiasm,” The New York Times reviewed. “No matter what kind of music he happens to be performing … he throws himself into it totally, his infectious smile challenging the audience to enjoy the performance as much as he does. … Simply listen and be moved.”
McFerrin will play at 7 p.m. For students, tickets are $15, and for those without a CatCard, tickets start at $35.
