Bobby McFerrin's Historic Ride with His Monster Number #1 Hit Record "Don't Worry Be Happy"

Let's turn back the clock to 1988 when Bobby McFerrin's monster hit "Don't Worry Be Happy" went to the well-coveted # 1 spot on the Pop Charts. Plus, shortly afterwards in 1989 at the Grammy Awards the song was recognized as the 'Song Of The Year.' Yet, believe it or not, it was then awarded as the "Record Of The Year.' Truth is, those outstanding achievements were unheralded accomplishments for this newly established Jazz music artist! This was a never before virtuosic task. It was the first A Cappella song to reach number # 1 in Billboard's Hot 100 Chart. The 'instruments' in the song are entirely overdubbed voice parts and other sounds made by McFerrin while using no musical instruments in the composition at all. Ample credit goes to promo guru Jack Satter of EMI-Manhattan Records and his skilled promotion staff. Needless to say, I am very honored to be a part of that well-recognized EMI Records promotion & marketing team while reaching those historic feats! Thank you Bobby McFerrin for the fabulous ride!

EMI Records Northwest Promotion & Marketing Director Phillip Rauls and EMI Records recording artist Bobby McFerrin share a moment before McFerrin's sold-out concert performance in Portland, OR in 1988.

Bobby McFerrin's EMI-Manhattan Records Grammy winning album cover that was awarded Platinum status.

 

A Blast From The Past From The Year 1991

When the national music publication 'Hitmakers Magazine' held their Seattle Seminar in 1991, here is a selected photograph from the magazine that featured the radio and record executives: (L-R) Kevin Chase-KMOK Radio P.D./M.D. Lewiston, ID - Phillip Rauls-EMI Records Regional Promo Mgr. Seattle, WA - Paul Walker-OK95 Radio P.D. Tri-Cities, WA - and Jay Stevens-KFTZ Radio P.D. Idaho Falls, ID.