"Don't Worry, Be Happy" is a cheery 1988 hit by Bobby McFerrin that became the first a cappella song ever to reach < on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a position it held for two weeks. The song was not written by Bob Marley as is widely believed. Its title is taken from a quote by Hindu philosopher Meher Baba. It was released in conjunction with the 1988 film “Cocktail” and featured in the movies “Casper” (1997),”Dawn of the Dead” (2004), “Jarhead” (2005), “Flushed Away” (2006) and “WALL-E” (2008). It became an unofficial anthem in Jamaica after hurricane Gilbert struck in September 1988 and caused months of hardship.

-R. Kerby