Opera Singer. Born in Marianna, Arkansas, he was the first black man to sing solo at the Metropolitan Opera and the father of the Grammy-winning conductor-vocalist Bobby McFerrin. In the late 1940s and early '50s, McFerrin sang on Broadway, performed with the National Negro Opera Company and the New York City Opera Company as baritone. In 1955, he debuted with the Metropolitan Opera as Amonasro in "Aida." McFerrin also dubbed the vocals for Sidney Poitier in the 1959 movie "Porgy and Bess." In 2003, Opera America honored Robert McFerrin, Sr. with a lifetime achievement award.
Opera Singer. Born in Marianna, Arkansas, he was the first black man to sing solo at the Metropolitan Opera and the father of the Grammy-winning conductor-vocalist Bobby McFerrin. In the late 1940s and early '50s, McFerrin sang on Broadway, performed with the National Negro Opera Company and the New York City Opera Company as baritone. In 1955, he debuted with the Metropolitan Opera as Amonasro in "Aida." McFerrin also dubbed the vocals for Sidney Poitier in the 1959 movie "Porgy and Bess." In 2003, Opera America honored Robert McFerrin, Sr. with a lifetime achievement award.
Bio by: José L Bernabé Tronchoni
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