Robert McFerrin Sr., the first black man to sing solo at the New York Metropolitan Opera and the father of Grammy-winning conductor-vocalist Bobby McFerrin, died Friday (Nov. 24, 2006) in St. Louis. He was 85.
McFerrin won the Metropolitan Opera national auditions in 1953. His 1955 debut with the Metropolitan Opera as Amonasro in Aida made him the company’s first black male member and came just three weeks after contralto Marian Anderson made her historic debut Jan. 7, 1955, as the first black to sing a principal role at the Met. McFerrin performed in 10 operas over three seasons.
He is also known for providing the vocals for Sidney Poitier in the 1959 movie Porgy and Bess.
Son Bobby McFerrin Jr. is best known for the 1980s hit, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” McFerrin’s daughter, Brenda McFerrin, is also a recording artist, and he sang with both children.
In the late 1940s and early ’50s, McFerrin sang on Broadway and performed with the National Negro Opera Company and the New York City Opera Company.
He suffered a stroke in 1989, but he continued to perform for many years.