Robert Keith McFerrin Sr. (March 19, 1921 – November 24, 2006) was an American operatic baritone, notable for being the first African-American man to sing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

His voice was described by critic Albert Goldberg in the Los Angeles Times as "a baritone of beautiful quality, even in all registers, and with a top that partakes of something of a tenor's ringing brilliance.

Born in Marianna, Arkansas,[1] McFerrin showed vocal talent at an early age, singing while still a boy soprano in a local church's gospel choir.

After McFerrin completed the eighth grade in Memphis, his father sent him to live with his aunt and uncle in St. Louis so he could attend Sumner High School.

Following his freshman year the young baritone won a scholarship to attend Chicago Musical College and transferred to that institution.

World War II and the Draft interrupted McFerrin's schooling, but he returned to Chicago Musical College after discharge from the U.S. Army as a technician fifth grade and received his degree in 1948.

[4][5] In 1948 McFerrin moved to New York City and began receiving vocal coaching from Hall Johnson, the composer and choir director.

A 1949 appearance in a small role in the Kurt Weill Broadway musical, Lost in the Stars, led to acquaintance with Boris Goldovsky.

[4] McFerrin had distinguished himself in singing competitions earlier in life, but in 1953 he eclipsed these honors by winning the Metropolitan Opera's "Auditions of the Air", the first African-American to do so.

[2] During this time, it was usual for the winner of the "Auditions of the Air" to receive six months' training and a contract to sing at the Met.

[1] Marian Anderson made history during Bing's tenure as the first African-American lead hired to sing on the Met stage.

[2] In 1959 McFerrin was engaged to teach singing lessons at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki,[10] and later he became a voice teacher at Sacramento State College.

[15] In 1973 McFerrin returned to St Louis, the city where he had attended high school; it remained his primary residence for the rest of his life.

[5] McFerrin's accomplishments as a black man in the field of classical singing served as an inspiration to singers of color who followed, especially men.

In spite of the personal hardships he endured, his magnificent voice retained its amazing power and beauty well into his 8th decade..."[23] His son, Bobby McFerrin, has said in interviews, "His work influenced everything I do musically.