"Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin was the first a capella song to reach number one in the U.S. charts. Released in 1988, it also reached number 2 in the UK charts. McFerrin is a major player within the jazz world, his more preferred genre, and "Don't Worry, Be Happy" was to be the artist's only big hit in the mainstream market.
"Only You" by The Flying Pickets reached number one in the UK charts at Christmas in 1983. The British a capella group, who spent five weeks at the top of the chart, had only one other song of note, which reached number 7.
Other a cappella work which are still considered major songs of the 1980s period include "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" by Manhattan Transfer, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by The Nylons, "Psycho Killer" by The Bobs and "Homeless" by Paul Simon.