Bobby McFerrin

The monumentally gifted Bobby McFerrin will forever be known for his 1988 hit "Don't Worry, Be Happy," which featured the multi-tracked singer accompanying himself. However, his vocal chords are as limber as a rubber band, and he doesn't need any studio wizardry to astound you. Instead of following up that on success, McFerrin started a large choir -- his Voicestra -- and concentrated on work that has generally been outside of either the pop or jazz worlds. While it is gratifying to see a public figure so interested in academic pursuits, it's somewhat baffling that McFerrin doesn't always display his most apparent talent: solo singing. The wondrously unique Circlesongs (1997) did away with intelligible language all together while still utilizing the group format. Meanwhile, the world waits for McFerrin to return as a solo performer in his own right.