Bobby McFerrin

My father was a very disciplined singer who worked hard at his craft, and I was around that growing up.

I grew up in a time when being a musician and learning to be a musician was actually very wonderful.

But, if there's any aspect of my career that needs attention, it's writing.

Miles Davis turned his back to the audience when he came out on stage, and he offended people. But, he wasn't there to entertain; he was all about the music. I kind of do that.

I played piano as a kid; I still play a little bit.

When I'm on stage by myself, I don't have to think about anything. I don't have to worry about anything because I'm not responsible for anything except just opening my mouth and making sure music comes out.

It's not that I don't love the song. My songs are like my children: some you want around and some you want to send off to college as soon as possible.

I'd actually been making my living as an organist with bands since I was probably 15 or 16 years old, and then as a senior in high school I put together a jazz quintet called The Bobby Mack Jazz Quintet.

Well, I started conducting kind of by accident. I wanted to give myself a special birthday present for my fortieth birthday, and I was living in San Francisco at the time and I started attending some of the concerts and then simply dropping hints.

My biggest musical influences are probably my parents.

If I can bring joy into the world, if I can get people to stop thinking about their pain for a moment, or the fact the tomorrow morning they're going to get up and tell their boss off... then I'll be successful.

The true musician is to bring light into people's hearts.