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.
Robert McFerrin Amonasro, once as Valentin in "Faust" and twice in the title role of "Rigoletto". Concerned with the uncertainty of his future in New York, McFerrin resigned his position at the Met in favor of his chances in Hollywood. After 1958 McFerrin appeared no more at the Metropolitan Opera. McFerrin went to California in 1958 to work on the Otto Preminger movie, "Porgy and Bess". The casting plans for this production of the George Gershwin opera slated Sidney Poitier as Porgy. Poitier was to act the role onscreen and lip-synch the musical numbers. McFerrin was engaged to provide Porgy's singing voice.