WMM 2026 Day 21 — Madison McFerrin


Madison McFerrin, photo by  Marisa Frigoletto

Never give up on what makes you happy.
–Madison McFerrin, in Hult Center interview

Madison McFerrin (b. 11/5/91) is an American singer-songwriter. She was born in San Francisco, CA, to jazz vocalist and classical conductor Bobby McFerrin, and Debbie Green. She has two brothers, musician, Taylor McFerrin, and actor, Jevon McFerrin. Her paternal grandfather was operatic baritone Robert Keith McFerrin, Sr. Robert, Sr. was the first black man to sing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She is a graduate of Berklee College of Music.

Rolling Stone magazine included McFerrin’s “Run” in its Top 100 songs of 2023, citing the effort as “perhaps the most compelling story” of the list, based upon McFerrin’s discovery that her great-great-great-grandmother had fled to escape enslavement. On the track she encourages her ancestors that yes, running will be worth it; her father Bobby McFerrin accompanied her on vocals.

McFerrin’s single, “GUILTY” was recorded in 2021 in response to the conviction of former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

She appeared on Tyler, the Creator’s Don’t Tap the Glass album on the track “Don’t You Worry Baby.”

Discography & Filmography
Studio albums = 2
EPs = 3 (4?)
Singles = 9
Anime (singing voice) = 1

artist’s official website

Source: wikipedia

Hear a 4-minute NPR interview with Madison, about her music, here.

12 Comments Add yours

  1. While I’m well aware of Bobby McFerrin and like many other folks a bit tired of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” Madison McFerrin is all new to me. Based on my first impression, she sounds great! :-)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Welcome back, Christian!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Her vocal work on the first video reminds me of her father’s Voicestra, a vocal group he assembled in San Francisco when she was a baby. Speaking of which, I might have “met” her then. I was doing a plumbing job at a childcare center when Bobby McFerrin arrived to pick up a child or children. I was otherwise occupied so I didn’t pay much attention. Then again, the Tiny Desk concert reminds me of her dad’s solo work with multi-tracked voices in the intro. This is not to say she isn’t her own self with her own sound.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Steve, thank you for sharing your knowledge and connection with Bobby and her by proxy. You know how we all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us? She was blessed with having not only her father’s but her grandfather’s shoulders to stand on. I loved watching how she made her Radiohead cover happen.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. randydafoe's avatar randydafoe says:

    Vary talented and seems to be carving her own path. Tough to do in any environment, let alone with a famous father.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      and famous grandfather!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. randydafoe's avatar randydafoe says:

        That too. The term Nepo Baby doesn’t mean the same thing in music does it. You may have talent but getting out from under that shadow is something entirely different.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. glyn40wilton's avatar glyn40wilton says:

    So many talented female singers I’ve not heard before and Madison is another one

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Glyn it is shocking how many there are. I’ve got a list going through 2029 and many of of them are new to me.

      Like

  5. I’ve heard of her…she is lovely…great sound and I can get into this.

    Like

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