"Happy Birthday to You" is a traditional song that has become a universal anthem for celebrating birthdays. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic tune:
Origin: The melody of "Happy Birthday to You" is believed to have originated from the 19th-century song "Good Morning to All," composed by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill. The lyrics we commonly associate with the birthday song were added later.
Copyright: Until recently, the song was under copyright protection, making it one of the most lucrative songs in history. However, in 2016, a U.S. judge ruled that Warner/Chappell's claim to the copyright was not valid, and the song entered the public domain.
Singing Telegrams: In the mid-20th century, sending a singing telegram for birthdays was quite popular. "Happy Birthday to You" was a common choice for these performances.
Most Recognizable Song: According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most recognized songs in the English language.
Alternate Versions: Due to copyright issues, people often came up with alternative lyrics to sing at birthday parties. Some restaurants even created their own birthday songs to avoid legal complications.
Global Recognition: While the lyrics may differ across languages, the melody of "Happy Birthday to You" is widely recognized and used worldwide.
Movie Appearances: The song has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows. One notable instance is Marilyn Monroe's performance of "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" to President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
"Happy Birthday to You" has a rich history and continues to be a cherished part of birthday celebrations across the globe.