Dont worry be happy!

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was a # one 1988 American pop hit 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 the great reggae Bob Marley).

The song is unusual in that no musical instruments are 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 subject to long term. The Cosby Show, who sang in 1987. Although known to some “fluff pop” as “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, McFerrin is a serious and accomplished vocalist and musician. He is noted for his work with jazz and classical music luminaries such 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 1960s, Baba’s well-known phrase was often seen on inspirational cards and posters of the time. Bobby McFerrin was inspired by the saying, enough to write the now famous song. McFerrin said of the saying: “Whenever you see a Meher Baba poster, it usually says ‘Don’t worry, be happy,’ which is a pretty clear philosophy in four words I think.”

Meher Baba was a popular figure with prominent Hollywood men and women 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 is the next one, takes its name in part from the eastern mystic.