Currentland.com Feature Story-Apr. 2008

Bobby McFerrin and Friends Wow the Walton

By Regan Henson

There’s a good chance you’ll hate me after reading this. Not because of the subject matter, but because you’re likely to have a certain song from the late eighties stuck in your head for the foreseeable future. You remember the time, Reagan was giving way to Bush Sr., the Cold War was nearing its end, the US economy was sliding toward recession, sex scandals were still, um, scandalous, and Bobby McFerrin was advising us all to “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” There, I said it. Now I dare you not to hum it silently until you face the very brink of insanity.

The cool thing about that song is that at the time of its release it carried with it a message of such simple optimism that it was embraced by a nation and world so desperately in need of the message. The fact that it can still be embraced proves that it is timeless in spirit and theme. The song shot to number one on the Billboard Singles chart back in 1988, earning McFerrin a Grammy for Best New Song and becoming his only hit. It also gained McFerrin entry into countless unofficial one-hit-wonder lists. The thing about those lists, however, is they never allow you to gain the true measure of the talent of the artists.

Bobby McFerrin is NOT a pop artist. Remember that kid on American Idol from a couple of seasons ago, the one who wowed everyone with his beat-box skills? That kid couldn’t hold Bobby’s jock. Stand Bobby in front of the Idol judges a capella and watch Simon’s head explode. Ever hear some singer described as having his voice as his instrument? Bobby McFerrin’s voice is the whole band.

But McFerrin’s immense talent stretches well beyond his own seemingly limitless vocal talents. He is a regular guest conductor for, among others, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, The New York Philharmonic, The London Philharmonic, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, for which he has served as Creative Chair.

McFerrin’s recordings have sold an astounding 20 million copies worldwide, and he has performed and recorded with such musical luminaries as Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Yo Yo Ma, Quincy Jones and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

This April you can find Bobby McFerrin in Fayetteville where he’ll share the stage with Chick Corea, another frequent collaborator, to bring his unique musical talents for what promises to be an unforgettable night. One hit wonder? Hardly.

Bobby McFerrin, Chick Corea and Jack DeJohnette will be playing the Baum Walker Hall at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, AR on Sunday, April 13 at 7pm. Tickets range from $28 to $45 and can be purchased by calling the box office at (479)443-5600. Visit Bobby online at www.bobbymcferrin.com.