Don’t Worry, Be Happy!
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was a #1 U.S. pop hit in 1988 for singer Bobby McFerrin, winning the Grammy for Best Song of the Year. (Despite Internet references to the contrary, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is NOT a song by reggae great Bob Marley.)
The song is unusual in that there are no musical instruments used in the recording: McFerrin sang/vocalized every part, including the “drums.”
Television audiences may be familiar with McFerrin’s distinctive sound and style from the theme to the long running The Cosby Show, which he sang in 1987. Though known for some “pop fluff” such as “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” McFerrin is a serious and accomplished musician and vocalist. He is noted for his work with such classical and jazz luminaries as cellist Yo-Yo Ma, as well as pianists Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock.
“Don’t worry, be happy” is an expression or mantra closely associated with the Indian spiritual leader Meher Baba (1894-1969). In the 1960’s, Baba’s well-known phrase was often seen on inspirational cards and posters of the era. Bobby McFerrin was inspired by the saying, enough so to pen the now-famous song. Said McFerrin about the saying, “Whenever you see a poster of Meher Baba, it usually says ‘Don’t worry, be happy,’ which is a pretty neat philosophy in four words, I think.”
Meher Baba was a popular figure among Hollywood leading men and ladies of the 1930s, including Gary Cooper, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
In the 1960s, Baba received additional attention through the work of Pete Townshend of The Who. The Who’s classic rock song, “Baba O’Riley,” from the album Who’s Next, takes its name in part from the eastern mystic.