Don't Worry, Be Happy

March 10, 2015 11:21 AM

Playing for Change presents a video of children around the world performing the Bobby McFerrin classic. PFC works with local community groups to "inspire and connect the world through music". Some of their initiatives include helping to create a new music school in Cajuru, Brazil, providing resources to the Mother’s Society in Tintale, Nepal who help educate women and girls about their rights through music drama and dance, and a music program for children in the slums of Khlong Toey, Bangkok. They also create videos of performances by musicians around the world, like this fantastic version of Guantanamera performed by 75 Cuban musicians from Havana and Santiago to Miami, Barcelona and Tokyo.

There are currently 110 episodes to enjoy of live performances, project updates, and videos created by recording and mixing musicians in many different countries. Some recent gems:

"The PFC Band Live in Australia... "Back To Your Roots" is a PFC original song and it features lead vocals from Titi Tsira, Mermans Mosengo and Jason Tamba"

"Celebrating our 100th episode!!... “Down By the Riverside”... featuring Grandpa Elliott, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Congolese Choir of Grace."

Plus, the voice that started it all: Roger Ridley (sadly deceased) and "Stand By Me".


A documentary about the Playing for Change Foundation Previously

posted by billiebee (8 comments total)

I was *just* telling my kids the story about the time I and my high school friends were at a Pizza Inn the year this song came out, and we put $5 worth of quarters (25 plays IIRC) in the jukebox and programmed this song 25 times. I wonder how many plays it took before the other diners figured out what was going on?

Good times.
posted by freecellwizard at 11:28 AM on March 10, 2015 [1 favorite]

My son's claim to fame will always be as the Playing for Change Baby. He's 6 now. :)

(A friend of mine was a producer of the original documentary, and they asked if they could use this cute little video on their youtube channel)
posted by jozxyqk at 11:28 AM on March 10, 2015 [2 favorites]

I love Playing For Change! Every once in a while a mood comes upon me and I end up boring my family to tears playing these things over and over again. This one is a particular favorite.
posted by Ipsifendus at 11:35 AM on March 10, 2015 [2 favorites]

Roger Ridley (sadly deceased)

....Is he? He's been turning up in more recent videos of theirs...
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:22 PM on March 10, 2015

Just old footage, I'm afraid. Mr. Ridley died in 2005, before the documentary was completed.
posted by jozxyqk at 12:25 PM on March 10, 2015

I was *just* telling my kids the story about the time I and my high school friends were at a Pizza Inn the year this song came out, and we put $5 worth of quarters (25 plays IIRC) in the jukebox and programmed this song 25 times.

Back in the early 90's Bobby McFerrin came to my high school to guest direct our band for a day. Prior to his arrival we were told in no uncertain terms that the one thing we Could. Not. Do. was to ask him about Don't Worry Be Happy (nor god forbid ask him to sing it).
posted by Esteemed Offendi at 1:15 PM on March 10, 2015

An interesting post, billiebee, plus some excellent music. Thanks for both.
posted by On the Corner at 1:26 AM on March 11, 2015 [1 favorite]

This has actually become my favorite Bobby McFerrin thing.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:40 AM on March 11, 2015