Don't Worry Be Happy
Bobby McFerrin Cover by: Adam Hambrick
“This is a production that Redah recorded with the awesome Nashville singer, Adam Hambrick. The arrangement is crafted with just piano, subtle percussion and ethereal background vocals. With a voice like Adam’s, that’s all you need, especially when you're working with a great song like this Bobby McFerrin classic.
Adam shot the video in a beautiful outdoor setting in Nashville.” - Robert Etoll
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"Don't Worry Be Happy" (Bobby McFerrin) Cover for TV & Film I Robert Etoll Productions
Bobby McFerrin's 1988 classic "Don't Worry Be Happy" is instantly recognizable for its uplifting melody and positive message. Robert Etoll Productions’ acoustic cover, featuring Adam Hambrick, reimagines this timeless hit featuring an ambient piano arrangement, keeping the joyful spirit of the original while making it ready for modern sync applications in film, television, commercials, and trailers. This version maintains the feel-good energy audiences love, while providing a simple, fresh, versatile take that fits a wide range of media for sync licensing.
About Bobby McFerrin & "Don't Worry Be Happy"
Bobby McFerrin, born in 1950 to classically trained opera singers, became one of the most innovative vocalists of his generation. Known for his four-octave range and unique ability to layer vocal harmonies, McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy” was a groundbreaking a cappella track, layering bass lines, percussion, melodies, and harmonies using only his voice. Released as a single from Simple Pleasures, it quickly became an international hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, winning a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, and remaining culturally relevant decades later. The track would go on to become one of most recognizable songs of the 1980's, as it has been a staple in films, television shows and advertising campaign. The song’s universal, uplifting and positive message of optimism and emotional resilience has made it a timeless favorite for films, television, and advertising campaigns.
The meaning of “Don’t Worry Be Happy” hinges upon the philosophic thought that worry gets in the way of productivity and happiness, and happiness is often a conscious choice, rather than dictated by situations. The message for positive thinking crosses all demographics, and makes it ideal for creating reimagined covers, for use in feel-good movies, tv, trailers and commercials that are looking to connect to peoples hearts through hope, inspiration and encouragement.
Why Choose Our Reimagined Cover?
This minimal acoustic version transforms the McFerrin classic into a heartfelt performance while retaining the song’s signature warmth and uplifting feel, featuring piano, subtle percussion, and ethereal background vocals. Adam Hambrick’s unique and captivating voice brings sincere, modern energy that connects with audiences across generations, offering a fresh take on this iconic and instantly recognizable song. The arrangement preserves the song’s familiar motifs while providing a versatile canvas for storytelling.
Ideal for: family films, comedies, heartwarming scenes, inspirational dramas, in-show sequences, trailers, and advertising campaigns, this intimate acoustic arrangement and male vocals allow the song to fit a wide variety of narratives and characters. In scenes of joy, personal growth, meaningful change, or emotional connection, the warm and organic sound of this cover will shine. On television, it suits story arcs that capture healing, unfolding purpose, and character empathy. In trailer advertising, it enhances emotional moments with a welcoming, deeply resonant tone. With its timeless message and professional polish, this cover provides both emotional elevation and the power to tell a story, making it a lively and impactful choice for any media project celebrating hope, positivity, and the universal concept of happiness.
Licensing this cover gives you access to Robert Etoll Productions’ world-class production standards, trusted by studios like Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Netflix, MAX, Hulu, Amazon and more. With over 30 years of experience and thousands of high-profile placements, Robert Etoll brings his signature artistry to this reimagined classic.
Ready to License?
Contact us at covers@robertetollproductions.com for licensing and to discover how “Don’t Worry Be Happy” can bring emotional uplift, instant recognition, and lasting impact to your productions.