Bobby McFerrin In 1986, McFerrin was the voice of Santa Bear in "Santa Bear's First Christmas", and in 1987 he was the voice of Santa Bear/Bully Bear in the sequel "Santa Bear's High Flying Adventure". That same year, he performed the theme song for the opening credits of Season 4 of "The Cosby Show". In 1988, McFerrin recorded the song "Don't Worry, Be Happy", which became a hit and brought him widespread recognition across the world. The song's success "ended McFerrin's musical life as he had known it," and he began to pursue other musical possibilities on stage and in recording studios.
John Berry McFerrin John Berry McFerrin John Berry McFerrin (1807–1887) was an American Methodist preacher and editor. He served as a chaplain in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. John Berry McFerrin was born on July 15, 1807 in Rutherford County, Tennessee. His paternal great-grandfather, William McFerrin, Sr., emigrated to York County, Pennsylvania from Ireland in 1730. His paternal grandfather, William McFerrin, Jr., served in the American Revolutionary War of 1775-1783, including at the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. His maternal great-grandfather, James Laughlin, emigrated to the United States from Belfast. His father, James McFerrin, was born in Washington