For Bobby McFerrin, breaking new ground has always been synonymous with his music.
His concerts are a mixed bag of musical styles drawing from jazz, classical, blues, and numerous other styles. He's performed unaccompanied, scatting and riffing with his four-octave range, and at times, even used his entire body to make percussive sounds.
Yet most people know him for the feel-good a cappella tune "Don't Worry Be Happy," even though the 63-year singer says he hasn't played the song in its entirety since 1988.
"The fans that come to my shows are excited with the music that I'm making, so they understand when I don't play it," McFerrin admits.
The 10-time Grammy Award-winning musician recently released his 14th album, "spirityouall," a record that's dedicated to the legacy of his father, the former Metropolitan Opera star Robert McFerrin Sr.
The senior McFerrin, who died at age 85 in 2006, had a distinguished career as both a performer and educator. He also provided the singing voice for Sidney Poitier in the 1959 film version of "Porgy and Bess."
The new record combines a unique selection of Americana, covering such classics as "Every Time I Feel the Spirit," and "Swing Low Sweet Chariot," as well as Negro spirituals.
"I wanted to honor him with some of the music he was known for," he says.
McFerrin remembers his father as a kind, yet tough man, especially when it came to his students. "He was nice, but he wouldn't sugarcoat anything," McFerrin remembers.
Read more: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1568880/bobby-mcferrin-dedicates-spirit-of-father-in-new-album
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