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