March 19, 1921

Robert McFerrin Sr. was born in Marianna (Lee County) to Melvin McFerrin, a minister, and Mary McKinney McFerrin. He was an African-American baritone opera and concert singer who became the first black male to appear in an opera at the Metropolitan Opera house in New York City. He is best remembered as the father of singer and conductor Bobby McFerrin, with whom he sometimes performed.

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