Who put out the hit single "Don't Worry, Be Happy" (from "Cocktail") in 1988?

Who put out the hit single "Don't Worry, Be Happy" from "Cocktail" in 1988? Bobby McFerrin released and performed it.

McFerrin wrote, produced, and recorded the song for his 1988 album Simple Pleasures. Although it has a reggae-influenced sound, the recording is entirely a cappella: McFerrin created the lead vocal, backing parts, bass sounds, and rhythmic effects with his own voice and layered recordings.

The song’s appearance in the film Cocktail helped propel it into mainstream popularity. It became the first a cappella song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100, remaining there for two weeks. Its cheerful message and playful music video made it one of the defining pop songs of the late 1980s.

The phrase itself predates McFerrin’s recording and was associated with spiritual teacher Meher Baba. Another common mix-up is crediting the song’s video stars Robin Williams or Bill Irwin; McFerrin is the recording artist and singer.