DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY

Regardless of success and its common units of measurement, fame and fortune, there is that enduring aspect of music that is born of love, devotion and in a few cases outrageous natural talent. Bobby McFerrin, who won Song of the Year in 1988 for ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ never came close to the top of the charts again but he has had an illustrious musical career since, including a period as guest conductor for the NY Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia and London Orchestras. 

Most impressive to me though are his unique vocal improvisations. He has an astonishing vocal range of 4 octaves, he is an expert at vocal percussion and is also capable of throat-singing in which  he excites the natural overtones from the fundamental vocal pitch, producing a two-or three-part chord of notes from one voice. Throwing all this talent into an improv session is breathtaking. McFerrin is the guy in the red shirt: