Yo-Yo Ma (born October 7, 1955) is a French and American cellist. He was a child prodigy and was performing by age five. He completed a Bachelor's degree from Harvard University in 1976. He has played as a soloist with many major orchestras. His 75 albums have received fifteen Grammy Awards.

In addition to recordings of the standard classical repertoire, he has recorded American bluegrass music; traditional Chinese melodies; the tangos of Argentinian composer Ástor Piazzolla; Brazilian music; and a collaboration with Bobby McFerrin. During their controversial tour of 2005-6, Ma backed them playing cello as sideman for the Dixie Chicks, assisting in the string arrangements for the band.