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Robert McFerrin Sr.
Robert McFerrin Sr.
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Robert McFerrin Obituary
He died Friday of a heart attack, the funeral home handling his services confirmed Monday.
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.
"His work influenced everything I do musically," Bobby McFerrin told The Associated Press in 2003. "When I direct a choir, I go for his sound. His musical influence was absolutely profound. I cannot do anything without me hearing his voice."
McFerrin was born in Arkansas, one of eight children of a strict Baptist minister who forbade his son to sing anything but gospel music. That changed when McFerrin moved to St. Louis in 1936 and a music teacher discovered and encouraged his talent.
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.
McFerrin and his first wife divorced. He married his second wife, Athena, in 1994. Survivors include a sister and three grandchildren.
58 Entries
Eve Lee
November 20, 2024
My Mom, Sylvia Olden Lee praised his fabulous voice and could not say enough about his singing! So, I join in with her in the hereafter so now she can accopany him on the piano and they will make glorious muic together!
Eve Lee
November 20, 2020
As my mother is no longer here to do this I am doing this in her name. As such a fine musician and singer my mother could not cease from singing his praises due to his beautiful voice and artistic talent. Keep up the good work!!
Valenda Newell
March 27, 2017
GONE FROM OUR SIGHT, BUT NEVER FROM OUR HEARTS ♥ ♥ ♥
July 31, 2014
My uncle Robert may you continue to rest in peace. I miss you dearly. You were my entertainment mentor. However more than that you were my uncle whom I spent so much time with. Love and miss you!!
Richard Thomas
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Betty Watts
July 4, 2013
Love you Uncle Robert. We miss you.
Henrietta Carter
June 30, 2013
I am excited to see this. My late husband William Grandvil Carter (1940-1993) was the piano accompanist and 5th singing voice when Bob McFerrin Sr. toured Europe as the California Jubilee Singers from 1964-1965. That was the turning point in Bill's career. He had proved himself as a musician and returned to UCLA to earn his bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees after having walked out on a nearly complete degree in chemistry the previous year. I had the great honor of meeting Bob McFerrin in St. Louis during the summer of 1964, thanks to our friendship with another of the Jubilee Singers, Thomas "Tinkle" Woodson. While we were sitting in the bonus room of Tom's sister's home conversing with Robert and Tom, I felt Bill's presence in that room. I also had a mini-coaching lesson talking with Bob about interpreting spirituals, and knew instantly from the first phrase he sang to me what a great artist he was, and what an inspiration he had been to my husband, My husband had passed those stylings on to me, and we performed them together many times.
Brenda McFerrin
June 30, 2013
I miss you Daddy. I love you and think of you often. I know your watching over Major Moves!
July 8, 2012
Dear Brenda McFerrin,
My condolences to you on the loss of your father. I thought he was wonderful. He was my voice coach in the Spring of 1970 at Sacramento State College. Mangnificent talent. I remember how he would put his hand to his ear and mouth and listen to himself as he sang. Oh my God, he was so talented and had the most beautiful voice and was so kind and patient with us. A true master. best wishes,
Billy Cross
Brenda McFerrin
February 15, 2012
I LOVE YOU and MISS YOU, Daddy!
Brenda McFerrin
February 15, 2012
Dad, just the other day I was listening to the duet we did in St. Louis in 1987 "Bess You Is My Woman Now" from Porgy and Bess! I LOVE YOU and MISS YOU Sooooo MUCH!!!
GARY W. KELLY
December 31, 2011
I just found this obituary.
I met Mr. McFerrin in Washington, DC after a classical recital during a conference in February, 1973. He sung spirituals and his accompianist was Sylvia Ogden Lee, daughter of one of the original Fisk University Singers.
I did not know he had recorded anything other than the Sidney Poitier vocals singing on "Porgy And Bess".
I did find some of Robert McFerrin Sr.'s serious singing on YouTube.
Rest In Peace, Sir.
Eve Lee
January 8, 2009
Yes, that is his glorious voice singing "Porgy" in the movie. My parents were just so thrilled when they found out that he would be the singer for Sidney Poitier in the film. Keep singing those gorgeous tones, Bob, where you are!!!
George Small
January 7, 2009
Wow! I just found this site. Mr. McFerrin was the voice of Porge in the MGM production of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess (featuring Sidney Potier, and Dorthy Dandridge - Don't forget Pearl Bailey). I had a recording of his "Classic Negro Spirituals", many years ago. Unfortunately, it is no longer available - (what a shame. Wonderful, wonderful Harry T Burleigh piano work on that album too.) Along with Paul Robeson, I can say that he is indeed my hero. He has left a wonderful legacy in his son, Bobby - groundbreaking artist in his own right.
Marc Delano Jenkins
April 28, 2007
Robert McFerrin, a name that should be included when mentioning the great singers of the twentieth century, but sadly, is not, for no good reason. Oh how I wish I were at the right place at the right time, which would have been ANYTIME Mr. McFerrin sang! I have had the great fortune to hear him on recording, and what else could be said except, "Oh Glory"! Robert McFerrin, along with my dad, is MY HERO. Peace...
Sheila & Terry Jones
April 17, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Marlene Witte-Moffett
January 9, 2007
I send my sincere condolences to Robert's family. He thrilled our Inland Empire with his magnificent creation of Rigoletto at the Redlands Bowl in Redlands CA. I was privileged to perform a supporting role in the opera and was enthraled by his voice and acting. God will welcome his glorious voice home to heaven.
May God bless his family.
Barbara Edwards Lee
December 8, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the family. I have so many wonderful memories being thrilled at rehearsals and then brought to my feet by the actual performances in Pittsburgh,New York or Washington,DC. What a marvelous voice.I am niece of Madame Mary Cardwell Dawson, Founder of The National Opera Company (NNOC)Inc., also, secretary,and member of chorus. At that time NNOC operatic performances were the only avenue for musical accomplishments with orchestra,costume,etc for the aspiring Black artist. Reflecting on Mr. NcFeerin's voice, I must quote my late Aunt "Music once admitted to the soul, becomes a memory and never dies".
Andrew Laverdiere
December 8, 2006
My thoughts go out to the family. I had the blessed experience of being a witness to Mr. McFerrin and William Warfield during a couple of concerts in 1993 and 1994 on the east coast. I can still vividly remember his rendition of "Oh Glory!". God bless you all.
R Davis
November 30, 2006
To the McFerrin Family
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family. The lost of such a great music pioneer has been hard for all. 2Corinthians 1:3,4 says " Blessed be.. the father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort,who comfort us in all out tribulation" Rest assured that God has Mr.McFerrin in his memory and that he provides comfort for his loved ones. He is resting now and suffers no more. God's purpose is for a peaceful new world where billions who are now asleep in death will open their eyes to a paradise earth.Just imagine no more tears of sorrow but having tears of JOY, to see our loved ones again. May the God of all comfort be with you and your family at this time.
Gwendolyn Grayson
November 30, 2006
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
November 30, 2006
The Management & Staff of Weston's Mortuary would like to extend our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you much joy and comfort.
Walter and Virginia Lazarowicz
November 29, 2006
Dear Bobby and Brenda,
We share your sorrow, on the loss of someone so very special; your beloved father.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Helene Lovell
November 29, 2006
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Wallace Cheatham
November 29, 2006
My time of study with Robert McFerrin as a private voice student almost thirty years ago was the motivating force for my interest in researching,documenting,and getting into the literature information about the African American experience as it relates to opera.So in addition to learning from him vocal technique,stimuli for musicological research within my personality was born.
RONALD HUBERTY
November 29, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND HOLD YOU IN HIS HANDS THROUGH ALL ETERNITY
REVERAND
RONALD HUBERTY
George Traylor
November 29, 2006
Such a loss. My condolences to fmaily and friends.
Mark Geuy
November 29, 2006
God Bless you Mr. McFerrin.
May you rest in peace.
LULA SATCHELL
November 29, 2006
MY CODOLENCES GOES OUT TO YOU AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY. REMEMBER
THAT GOD IS ALLWAYS THERE WITH YOU.
SO KEEP THE FAITH AND ONE DAY YOU
WILL MEET YOUR FATHER AGAIN.
D Ray
November 29, 2006
Thanks for being in inspiration!
May you have eternal peace!
Tameka Vironet
November 29, 2006
I am deeply sadden about the loss of your dear loved one. I hope that you will trust in God and depend on him for your comfort. God bless you all.
james davis
November 28, 2006
A loss to this world is remembered by the music that brings together all of us. God Bless you Mr. McFerrin.
Ronald Staton
November 28, 2006
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of this great historical figure of the operatic arts. May his great voice forever be heard in all of our hearts.
Mike Wanko
November 28, 2006
I love Mr. McFerrin. He was my voice teacher and my friend and he called me the "white" McFerrin. He was an expressive singer with a beautiful voice - Unmatched. But most of all he was a wonderful person with alot of love. He will be missed but never forgotten.
I send my deepest condolences and prayers to Athena, Brenda, Bobby & Sara.
Maurice Wheeler
November 28, 2006
The world has lost a great singer and artist. We have all been enriched by his gifts, and his willingness to share them with the world. I had known of Robert McFerrin and his pioneering career long before I ever heard his voice. No printed description could have prepared me for the depth of artistry, the magnificence and the sheer beauty of his singing. I am saddened that his physical voice has been silenced, but I am grateful that, through the few remaining recodings, generations to come will have the ability to experience the sublime singing of Robert McFerrin.
Reri Grist - Thomson
November 28, 2006
We had never met.
I had not heard him sing in a live performance.
And yet, I do know that with his unique talent, belief in his musical worth and dignity of person, he paved the way for each of us who has since performed on the great, international stages of opera and concert.
In gratitude and respect for the courageous artist, Robert McFerrin,
I send to the family my condolences.
Joseph Lawrence
November 28, 2006
BRAVO,BRAVO,BRAVO,ENCORE ENCORE
Mary Templeton
November 28, 2006
I am so sorry for the loss of your
loved one.
My sympathy and prayers are with
all of you.
Mary
Marymal Holmes, D.M.A.
November 28, 2006
I had the distinct honor of singing the duet from Aida with Mr. McFerrin at a 1988 Opera Gala at St Luke's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. I will always treasure the opportunity to have performed with such a distinguished gentleman and a true pioneer in opera. He will be greatly missed! My heartfelt condolences to the McFerrin family.
Potreass Johnson
November 28, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dwight Burns, Sr.
November 28, 2006
The World has lost a great singing
voice,mentor,role model,and friend.
Heaven has added another star to
its Heavenly cast. I do pray that
God forever keeps your family in
His favor.
Thomas & Norma Blackshear-McGee
November 28, 2006
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Darryl Taylor
November 27, 2006
Heaven has recruited one of Earth's finest voices! His influence will be felt for years to come. To the McFerrin family, please know that you are being held up in prayer around the world!
Donnie Ray Albert
November 27, 2006
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.Mr.McFerrin's legacy will live on through those of us who heard him in person and via recordings. God be with you.
November 27, 2006
Dear family of Robert McFerrin:
What a great loss to us all! I shall never forget the greatness of the musician and the greatness of his soul. I arrived in New York City from California, bearing a letter of introduction to Mr. McFerrin from Dr. Hall Johnson. I had gone to New York to participate in two events: the Arthur Godfrey Show Competition and the Marian Anderson,which I am happy to announcve that I won. When I telephoned Mr. McFerrin, he immediately invited me to his home and then took me to his voice teacher, who offered to teach me free(what an offer) but I accepted the Juilliard offer so that I could learn about many more aspects of music. I shall always remember this unselfish, graciousness and unexpected kindness from this great artist. I loved his voice and artistry and I even heard him sing for the last time at an NOA Meeting in Cambridge, Ma. where he sang an aria from The Masked Ball, ERI TU. It was unforgettable! When I first met him I was going by my first husband's last name, but I re-introduced myself to him on that evening as Shirley Verrett, the name I was born with. Over all the years since l955, I have thought of him as one of my special heroes.
I condole with you and know that he is resting in peace and serenading the angels.
In sympathy and prayer,
Shirley Verrett
Frances Brockington
November 27, 2006
Dear McFerrin Family,
Please accept my condolences and prayers during this time of grief for you. Do know however, what a great mark this fine gentlemam has left on the musical world. Craftsman,gentleman, and scholar.
Sincerely,
Naomi Long Madgett
November 27, 2006
I
first met Robert in January, 1938 when we were both members of the a cappella
choir at Sumner High School. He was my first date although I was not yet
allowed to go out. When he came to my house, we would sit at the kitchen
table while he sang every song I requested. He loved to sing and I could
listen to him forever. We have remained friends ever since and I later became
friends with Athena. When we were in high school, I learned that Robert didn't
have a middle name. He suggested that I give him one. After I named him Keith,
he had his new middle name legalized.
The first song I ever heard him
sing was "Through the Years" by Vincent Youmans. I also recall his singing
"Ah, Moon of My Delight." He will always be the "moon of my delight."
Charlie Wells
November 27, 2006
Athena & Family, the members of the Hines-Lee Opera Ensemble thoughts and prayers are with you. May fond memories of him help you cope with the loss. God be with you always.
George Shirley
November 27, 2006
Dear McFerrin Family:
I send to you my profound condolences at this time of loss. Robert McFerrin Sr.'s heart was that of a giant; as one of the world's greatest singers and courageous pioneers, he instilled within me and countless other black males the resolve to pursue our destinies as performers in the profession of grand opera. In spite of the personal hardships he endured, his magnificent voice retained its amazing power and beauty well into his 8th decade, thrilling all who were present at the First Annual Legacy Awards Banquet at the National Opera Association Convention in Cambridge, MA in 1995. It was our pleasure to present the Award to Mr. McFerrin at that time; also honored were his colleagues Mattiwilda Dobbs, Camilla Williams, and Todd Duncan.
Robert McFerrin Sr.'s place in history is secure. It was an honor to follow in his footsteps. He will not be forgotten.
With respect and gratitude for his life and sterling artistry,
Raymond Tymas-Jones, Ph.D.
November 26, 2006
I first Mr. McFerrin when I was a graduate student at Washington University in 1979. We both were cast members in the National Association of Negro Musicians'production of Scott Joplin's "Treemonshia." Shortly thereafter, I had the distinct pleasure of studying voice with this great artist and generous spirit. I learned so much from him doing those days, not only about vocal technique but about the art of performance. He left an indelible mark on my life and career. He truly was one a the great singers of our time. Thank God for sending such a giant among us.
Eve Lee
November 26, 2006
Dear Brenda and Bobby,
Loads of love and support to you at this difficult time. Your love and devotion to your Dad will give you the strength you need right now. Am with you during this time. Bobby, love from your godsister, Brenda, from your old colleague, Eve
Kehembe V. Eichelberger
November 26, 2006
One of the finest and most generous singers of our time. He had strength and fortitude most could not withstand. We are so proud of his contributions and it was a true honor to work with him. The members of the Hines-Lee Opera Ensemble will miss him.
Lesbia Roner-Hansen
November 26, 2006
To our beloved Tina,
Our sincerest condolences in the passing of your loving husband. We are sure that he will miss you very much as you have been his earth-angel. We love you very much. May the memories of him help you cope with the loss.
God Bless you,
Michael and Lesbia (Les Roner) Hansen
Boca Raton, Florida
Ana Carlsgaard
November 26, 2006
Tina and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all this week as you face the departure of your loved one. I know that words are not even enough in this time of loss, so I wish you God through all this, the one who knows the grief and pains better.
Love to you always
Robert Golbart
November 26, 2006
The Golbart Family will miss Robert dearly. We loved his Voice, personality and warmth in which he brought to us. I am the brother of Rabbi/Cantor Gary Golbart, which Robert was his Voice Teacher and Mentor. Robert visited our home and sang with his magnificent voice. We will all miss him.
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