Don't Worry, Be Happy
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" is a 1988 song by Bobby McFerrin, released as the lead single from his album *Simple Pleasures*.
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" is a 1988 song by Bobby McFerrin, released as the lead single from his album *Simple Pleasures*. It became the first a cappella song to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and later received major Grammy recognition. The song title and refrain are attributed to the Indian spiritual teacher Meher Baba.
Background
The song was written and recorded by Bobby McFerrin and released in 1988 as the lead single from *Simple Pleasures*. Sources attribute its title and refrain to the spiritual teacher Meher Baba.
Chart performance
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for two weeks. It is widely noted as the first a cappella song to top the chart.
Awards and recognition
The song won major Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, according to the Library of Congress documentation and secondary summaries. In 2024, it was added to the National Recording Registry.
Cultural impact
The song became Bobby McFerrin's best-known hit and is often cited as an example of a mainstream a cappella recording achieving major commercial success. Its message and title have remained widely recognized in popular culture.
Key facts
- Released in 1988 as the lead single from *Simple Pleasures*.
- First a cappella song to reach No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
- Held the top spot for two weeks in 1988.
- Title phrase attributed to Meher Baba.
- Selected for the National Recording Registry in 2024.
The song is part of international popular-music history and has been widely familiar to Canadian listeners through radio, television, and streaming, but the provided sources do not identify a specific Canadian release or chart distinction.
Frequently asked questions
Who performed "Don't Worry, Be Happy"?
When was the song released?
What album is it from?
Why is the song notable?
Where did the title come from?
Was the song recognized by the Library of Congress?
References
- Songfacts — https://www.songfacts.com/facts/bobby-mcferrin/dont-worry-be-happySupports: States that the song reached No. 1, was recorded using only body sounds, and that the phrase came from Meher Baba.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don't_Worry,_Be_HappySupports: Provides release year, album, chart position, and National Recording Registry inclusion.
- Library of Congress — https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/Dont-Worry-Be-Happy_Sidran.pdfSupports: Explains the Meher Baba attribution, chart success, a cappella significance, and Grammy recognition.