Bobby McFerrin - LIVE Improvisation at The Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host a musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The concert features Grammy Award-winning vocalist Bobby McFerrin with the Let Freedom Ring Choir with Music Director, Rev. Nolan Williams Jr.
Performed on the Millennium Stage on January 16, 2012.
View the full concert at:
• Millennium Stage Janua...

[@mirage_404]

Imagine having him as a music teacher. That'd be the best class ever.

[@tgal164]

Students would never want to leave...

Yeah!

[@courtneycampbell1114]

My music teacher is irritating

[@sabrinathomas7342]

Courtney Campbell rlly Courtney btw this is isaiah lol

[@courtneycampbell1114]

Sabrina Thomas what it’s the truth

[@solukhumbu911]

when you cant afford loop pedal but u have a village

[@parsadorbeigi2086]

😂 😂 😂

[@jamieweller7397]

Ahahahahahahaaha

This made my day! 😂

[@emiliakohut7595]

🤣

[@williebraxton1988]

When you don’t need a loop pedal.

[@simonsafos2089]

okay but that baby's laugh of pure joy at 2:25

[@shelpow]

:)

[@ephraimmoye4772]

wow

[@KMINES007]

So beautiful all I could do is smile .

[@theloniousmonk81]

Excelente tu observación! Increíble momento

[@olayemi271]

Oh you noticed

[@sunjamrblues]

He uses human beings as a giant loop station, and then turns some of them into individual instruments. There is no music finer than this!

[@johnbeaton1076]

Yes....yes there is! That is a BOLD claim to make...with respect.

[@ScoriacTears]

@@johnbeaton1076 good though eh.

[@Nyasananda5]

Colourblindteabag even with a full choral backdrop, as clearly seen in this video, there is no doubt who is orchestrating this performance.

[@MattUnboxTV]

My muscles at my mouth would be tired as hell

[@GirlyEnglishGamer]

sunjamrblues this is how we sing in traditional villages in Africa

[@durosakinkingsleytobiloba3313]

He hits African culture and makes me love my culture the more. The way he also carries everyone along including the audience thrills me

[@durosakinkingsleytobiloba3313]

It really made me happy

[@amateurecologist]

Africa is the birthplace of humankind, no matter where you live now, you always connect yourself with it❤️

[@ayolovephat]

No offence, but there's no such thing as "African Culture". Africa is a continent with a myriad of cultures. We are not a monolith so we shouldn't be referred to as such. Thanks. Oh, and in case you are wondering, I'm a Nigerian.

[@johankaruyan5536]

@@ayolovephat do u like egusi

[@erlingknutsen2877]

Sometimes i like to just click into other profiles that comment on vidoes. THE SONGS IN YOUR PLAYLIST ARE AMAZING! Thank you!

[@glasavvatten]

its like getting only the good parts of a cult

[@NiinaSKlove]

arre - Very cultivated.

[@shrags1]

True!

[@lodu_ug]

😂😂 no better description befits

[@MrNiki00]

I like how he creates that atmosphere like he is the kindergarden teacher and the audience is just the kids singing. In a way it takes all the adults back in time because there is just a easy and careless feeling to what he does which makes us remember of the time when we were kids.

[@GosieKin]

Teachers do reciprocal reading - Bobby does reciprocal singing 😉

[@aydenhill6418]

Nice observation:)

[@DanielAppleton-lr9eq]

@@GosieKin Best participation method *EVER !*

[@joshuagharis9017]

True community and communication. Humanity at its purest form

[@himasa]

dear aliens, this is the music from planet earth; the sound of peace and love!

[@__fedora___]

Best comment I've seen so far 😄

[@greenstargaming4745]

This comment just made me tear.

[@freshpotatoes1107]

See we can always all get along through the same song.

[@greenstargaming4745]

@@freshpotatoes1107 let politicians sing together :D

[@freshpotatoes1107]

@@greenstargaming4745 mmmmm yeah that one might not be effective.

[@HeiiarchyGameplays]

The baby giggle from the noise he has the crowd make is so special and heartwarming @2:24

[@soniastraley3669]

Children are so in tune with the non-linguistic communication happening. Oh that we could all connect on such a pure level!

[@user-th8yl1ul7i]

Can't stop smiling everytime i see this man's performance Am I the only one here from 2024 !?

[@WayOfHaQodesh]

Nah... There's others

[@darcyglad2836]

Nobody, but nobody, can play and audience like Bobby. What he dose is magic.

[@-Vitalis-]

I need some of his dose, for sure!

[@kyellbrown]

D'Arcy Gonzalez Freddy from queens can

[@Blonc]

@@kyellbrown I think he was the only one I knew who'd come close.

[@dabideuh4131]

@@-Vitalis- lol

[@axouyy9738]

Freddie mercury could

[@chloewright1]

The lady in the crowd who starts at 5:07 literally gave me goosebumps. She sounded really good.

[@NathanielKolk]

She was pretty good, and more confidence than I could ever have, but she was also off of the note.

[@GoBlueHTB]

@@NathanielKolkshe was very SLIGHTLY sharp on her pitch, but she was clearly in key.

[@NathanielKolk]

@@GoBlueHTB Yeah I never said it was bad, but it wasn’t goosebumps level, or “sounded really good” level, especially compared to Bobby and the choir.

[@jpmcmullan8666]

@@NathanielKolkI don’t know man. To be off the cuff not knowing what she was gonna sing or sing over, that was goosebumps for me.

[@joshuagharis9017]

​@@GoBlueHTBher soul was in it though, Id be sharp singing on the spot off the cuff

[@loz5190]

Hes not even saying any english words and I somehow understand it and I want to cry because its beautiful

[@ms.bonilla8059]

I'm crying and I'm not sure why! A mix of emotions.

[@tanvirahmed4710]

Yes, I am crying too, just so overwhelmed!

[@nazarenodadamante8703]

I couldn’t stop smiling for the whole video

[@nazarenodadamante8703]

I felt divine watching this

[@andreaalejandraabarcaaroca6581]

@@nazarenodadamante8703 I feel exactly the same!

[@zetrocadartse646]

I even cried! it's beautiful

[@lefenec]

Human, after all :)

[@MS-zg1nq]

Illinois marijuana farmers for Trump

[@jetsbcuzyolo90]

5:07 full body chills. This man is the epitome of music. Can make anyones inner musician speak freely. Theirs only few people like him in the world.

[@Vl0gWithAb]

I am so sorry. But it's "There"

[@smoog]

I bet Bobby McFerrin never gets unhappy. Anytime he feels himself becoming sad he just needs to start singing to himself. No-one can still be sad after hearing Bobby McFerrin.

[@wyattstevens8574]

In his own words, "don't worry, be happy."

[@julien2231]

How can somebody become known with this "simple"song and truly bring happiness everywhere like that is so perfect.

[@ahaduchasemusic3276]

The fact that at 3:00 he changed the whole thing and started this lion king type groove I couldn’t stop singing along lol

[@thug4life2005]

i thought he was going to break into the lion sleeps tonight.

[@FelFree]

Why didnt Disney use the Talent And Magic of this Man ? ..... Bobby McFerren = Spiritual Music

[@reservoirchannel5576]

cause they are devils

[@SiSoy14]

Iiiiiin the jungleeee the mighty juuuungle the liiiion sleeeeeps toniiiight

[@tramrant]

Pixar did)

[@shuralmehki]

He was actually really good friends with Robin Williams. Disney should have used more of both of them.

[@enjoleb01]

They did, he did a short film call knick knack....it's my favorite!

[@MoonyDubMusic]

This can cure the worst of illnesses.

[@korneltakacs3692]

@@yummysauce6653 Well, it can cure sadness, for sure. Maybe our friend here thinks of sadness as the worst of illnesses. You never know.

[@dansmit9692]

But can it cure corona?

[@harrisparis142]

Dan Smit, yes he can

[@briannariederer059]

2:54 I love how he can silence them all with one sound and wave of his hand!

[@yugurtung]

Well, it's a professional choir behind him.

[@AristAristA]

"I love how he uses his mouth to make sounds ! very cool"

[@peternemeth1777]

Because they're a team and he's the captain of the team and they did practise that. A certain gesture or hand sign means stop. All conductors in classical music train such things with their orchester.

[@owenh1145]

I love it too!

[@sadamiamani]

Teachers with they could do that

[@mikepetralia6063]

5:50 man in the middle clapping completely off the beat is so me

[@dynasty4125]

Same

[@turbonbc]

@@dynasty4125 his old

[@VLADKHRAPKO]

yeah

[@jamieweller7397]

I couldn’t not notice it At one point he just doesn’t clapp

[@bluetape1]

Love him 💓

[@rafaelrodriguessantos6379]

That shows the power of the music as an universal language... "Music can express something that words can't"

[@fauzanahladzikri]

feels like we're in this together... like i'm not alone anymore. WE'RE TOGETHER FOLKS

[@mlnyonasi]

2:26 that precious laugh of that child is the best part of this video

[@richardlindsey3389]

agreed

[@angelemmanuelmartinez4878]

Pure joy right there!

[@nefuros551]

He speaks to hundreds of people simultaneously without using any words. It doesn't matter who is in that audience they can all do this together. He has mastered this art in his simplicity. What a beautiful soul bringing people together through the universal language of music

[@darakvq6017]

I love how he’s letting everyone participate in singing😭

[@mrbigg151]

No words were spoken...but the people understood! Music truly IS a universal language

[@aduryant5265]

That's cuz he's improvising in Pentatonic, the Pentatonic scale is present in almost every culture in this world.

[@miguelbranquinho7235]

@@aduryant5265 And also because music is intrensic to the human species.

[@Commutinyyyy]

Why am I crying?

[@tebsthemichaelz]

Praveen Dahariya like seriously I just asked myself that...

[@mikelabomusic7782]

I like to think it’s because, contrary to popular opinion, human beings are beautiful creatures capable of powerful, loving connection. When we experience, it hits us hard. So much to grateful for and so much to grieve.

[@TheoCynical]

You get it even if you don't know why.

[@Dsullivann]

The power of human connection

[@farrellcityking1]

If you are honest with yourself, you will know the answer.

[@gpr4eva]

He played the audience better than my ex-girlfriend played me

[@Monsoon31]

Black Moses Beats yes he is awesome than yur ex lol

[@dogkisses]

Lol

[@lonewaer]

Oof… felt that one…

[@marwanbasil6890]

You need a hug bro?

[@ver-seabudar4478]

Ooo self-burn those are rare

[@joninehritamusic]

He is such a special man & spirit. Makes my heart happy.

[@ajnbin]

I what WC policy what Inp

[@folasadeodumosu7634]

True

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

The first instrument on Earth was the human voice. Wow...

[@turbonbc]

This man is the definition of SOUL!

[@leonardonovelli2781]

Every time I watch this video I feel a sense of freedom and happiness

[@user-rg3by5cp1q]

It’s sound like Lion King!!! 😄

[@vintagejock3951]

So right

[@Marisa4412]

Игорь Абраменков what Elton Jhon did was mimick the sounds of Africa, which is what this magnificent piece is

[@sharpballer7751]

A little bit

[@imack1051]

Back to the roots.

[@xorqwerty8276]

The guy at 5:52 in the background couldn't get in time with the clap! This is my life.

[@Nobody-zc7kp]

Ksksksksksks

[@justinyearing3489]

Are you chasing life or is life chasing you? Let’s hear an update man. Hope you’re good.

[@andreasmoller33]

At 3:05 you’re in the obligation to think about the "Lion King” 🔥 That’s a real African music

[@c.r.chandler5905]

My dogs are looking at me trying to figure out why I'm dancing in my chair. This is perfection right here

[@BabyBoiQue]

The joy in the baby laughing at 2:25 is what music does to you. I just hope the child isn't corrupted by the garbage of today and loses the joy in simple real pure performances like this

[@mugsev]

2090: Government has confiscated all musical instruments because music gives people Hope. Then this happens...

[@etulia2010]

100%

[@Marisa4412]

Emmanuel Mugabi we as human being are very resorsful

[@igziahbeher2854]

Great comment!

[@gustavoteles5994]

damn...

[@RaulDragonLord]

rush's 2112

[@DaTr0LL1]

This is the best of humanity. It's a celebration of life and joy and love and music.

[@OGSinisterPotato]

This man has a large portion of humanity held within his heart. Such power.

[@Rambl3On]

It’s like the origins of music.... perfected.

[@Kresnov]

No one plays the Human Instrument better than Mr McFerrin.

[@DCBLITZKREIG]

This man makes art using the audience as his canvas and it makes me cry with happiness.

[@jeneeclark497]

Blessed to see Bobby 4 times. . . Including front row once. He is amazing!

[@rkosurvivor]

Huge smile on my face, made me feel like a kid again. Absolutely love this guy wow

[@benjaminakahi]

Musical at it finest, the human loop effect just make live music "livelier"

[@suemac5]

Let's put Bobby McFerrin in charge of world peace. What a talent. What a soul....

[@daudaliyafie546]

i literally clapping when the girl sing and improv ! soooo good

[@Efrouwa]

@ 2:27 when the child bursts out laughing probably due to all the chills they got from that sound effect, soo beautiful

[@airlives422]

Mr. Bobby McFerrin came to the Bay Area and every venue he was to be at sold out before I could get a ticket 🎫. I cried.😢 Well, if I never have the opportunity to see him perform live again. I will hold dearly the memory of the time I did get to see him 20 years ago in San Diego, Ca which was one of my most magical musical experiences. I will never, ever forget it.😌

[@hockeymike333]

That one lady was gonna steal the show if he let her run away with it haha great show!

[@musicbymenickyoung7246]

This guy is absolutely one of my favourite artists

[@masanaranwashe5795]

why am i only discovering this amazing talented man today?😭

[@daniellerubin1079]

I got chills literally everywhere from this. Legit even my cheeks were tingling

[@spiritualprepper3896]

Danielle Rubin learn about kundalini energy

[@theexit3325]

Ayyo🤨

[@rjvanloon4769]

There have never been a lot of people who can inspire a crowd like Bobby McFerrin. An absolute joy to watch how is he able to transform any crowd into a chorus and have them share music and joy, proving over and over again that music is a universal language

[@GeorgeLimaaa]

Just when I thought this couldn't get any better, he passes the mic to the audience and they keep rocking it!

[@demois]

My whole life over the last 4 years has been an almost constant struggle of looking for my passions & purpise and my soul has become tired of it. All i want to do is make others shine through my own shining.

[@ethannelson3555]

That sort of self-awareness will get you far, my friend. Follow it!! And follow God, he has a huge purpose for you:)

[@cesarcoelho7227]

The MOST underrated American Artist ever

[@tigersharkgaming6058]

I don't know why but this song makes me so happy to the point of real happy tears, Thank you so much for this gift too earth.

[@camerontaylor4183]

How can you dislike this?

[@kenzito101]

I ask myself that question everyday. I guess life must be balanced, nothing can be enjoyed by everyone.

[@vernonbear]

Akiru's Lab love can be, we just need to learn how to accept and give it.

[@kenzito101]

@@vernonbear some people love hating so...

[@thevitruvianman9781]

@@kenzito101 Exactly. Without hate we wont know what love is. This is what people dont understand like gavin. They think life is all one sided. Forces must be balanced.

[@folasadeodumosu7634]

I wonder

[@jermeyj1]

Bobby is a Legend he is music and melody.

[@drbennyrodriguez7745]

If you watch this and not feel happy for the rest of the day, please check your pulse! Amazing!!!!

[@MrBitviper]

he plays them like a fiddle what amazing showmanship

[@fablecouvrette5334]

This might be universally THE BEST thing to show someone who's having a bad psychedelic experience. Bring that mind back to pure playfulness that vibrates with you on every level. Keep it in your back pocket!

[@GygyMy]

I wish I can be part of one of his audiences at least once in my life. This man is a wonder of life! Love you Sir McFerrin

[@robertschaeffer5861]

Bobby Mcferrin taught me to be my own Walkman..."Don't Worry Be Happy "...

[@SpicySpiritual]

Music has no language. Music is an universal language ;)

[@emmanuelsebua1445]

Only Bobby can do this... True artistry...

[@christopherbartley6885]

The entire video I couldn't help but smile...

[@mgl1558]

Bobby McFerrin is a therapist that helps to be happy and release depression from ur body , is legend

[@miguelcato3529]

This man should b placed in every music school, n recognized in every musical class, respect bro from trini,

[@elijahcovarrubio234]

Dude right before he stood up from the chair I got a incredible urge to stand up. That’s music.

[@newnew1988]

1:07 When he says "Eh" it reminds me of Day-O song, _"Daylight come and me wan' go home"._ ♫ ♪

[@mamh18]

That's not Bobby McFerrin

[@newnew1988]

@@mamh18 I forgot to add the reference, it's fixed now.

[@shanecateriny4359]

This guy should be president. Who wouldn’t love this dude. No talking just harmony

[@kaylenehousego8929]

Its now 2022 - lets not loose the music. Love n blessings from Australia.

[@creatinotionchannel2680]

I love the kids laughter a couple of minutes in. Several minutes of pure joy!

[@samwilliamson4715]

Happiness in sound - without a band and without words; just sounds and a very talented improviser 😊

[@Yasperla]

Bobby!!! Thank you for this happiness ❤💯❤

[@tjapata8835]

The beggining is like a crowd of little sweet children are running and playing on my soul))

[@MPam1619]

The last piece sounded almost like "in the jungle" originally recorded by a south african group. In fact, sounds like they're warming up to sing it. In the jungle the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight...

[@lekoman]

Bobby McFerrin has very famously covered that song.

[@farrellcityking1]

Bobby has always had his powers on full display. He is the perfect human instrument.

[@serhiylitskan9415]

Боббі красава .заводіла ще той.классссс.на концертах повний розслабон.

[@evieraotacon]

This is feel good at it's core. Nothing more to say.

[@johnbethell1952]

I will be singing this all day now

[@tibitusheth2278]

Why am I crying? 2:26 that precious laugh of that child is the best part of this video shouts the man in the middle with absolutely no sense of time

[@AceBobcat]

I feel like Bobby McFerrin and Freddie Mercury would've had a blast onstage together

[@DiNosaurioWTF]

This was trully awesome, but that man clapping at the wrong time in the middle of the fucking choir at 5:50 is hilarious.

[@emz2969]

The best thing is that he's so into it the whole way through.

[@ChristianB-gl5xh]

I thought I was the only one that noticed that 😂 lul

[@burberry_venom]

At the beginning I thought it was Jordan Peterson lmao. The first minute where you can only see his face lol

[@LeeJ90]

🗣 He tried to fix it 😂🤣😂😂 And his arms was like nope 😂🤣😂🤣

[@lilianabartosi7356]

What a natural talent! Extraordinary, what a special treat! 👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋❤️

[@chuzjes2882]

I just can say something, THIS IS MAGICAL!!!!!!

[@imamidevz9245]

OMG such a beautiful artist. Out of this world talent. I wish 1Million Times to meet you someday in person. That would be a dream come true. Maestro genius Bobby!

[@mylesajkay5336]

This is pure therapy for stress, disappointment, heartache, frustration etc. Wow cool

[@a00915191]

7 minutes of making me smile and happy. It's just awesome how some persons have such a good aura and positive energy.

[@swayahhamza1285]

He made a concert from just two words ! Genius ❤️

[@amateurecologist]

This should be prescribed by doctors, no matter what happens to you❤️

[@water4110]

We need more wholesome people like Bobby in the world Wobby Wcferrin

[@Laou41]

the choir putting in work!

[@vincentaryasatya65]

Interactive concert. Audience happy that's the goal. And he brought it with his talented, skillful vocalizing technique. God Bless Him

[@quantessenz]

Bobby McFerrin, for me, is an underrated musical geniues.

[@francescamagali]

This makes me emotional. The combination of these sounds is so visceral