We have a collection of 45 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday
When did "Happy Birthday" enter the public domain in the United States? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most well-known and widely sung songs in the world. Here are some interesting facts about this traditional tune:
Copyright Controversy: "Happy Birthday to You" was, for many years, under copyright protection. This meant that every time it was sung or used in a public performance, royalties had to be paid. However, in 2016, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Warner/Chappell Music's claim to the copyright was not valid, making the song effectively public domain in the United States.
Original Lyrics: The song's melody was originally composed by two American sisters, Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill, in the late 19th century. The original lyrics were not "Happy Birthday to You" but instead "Good Morning to All." It was intended as a classroom greeting song.
Adaptation: "Happy Birthday to You" gradually evolved from "Good Morning to All" as people started adapting the lyrics for various occasions. The lyrics we know today were adapted to fit birthday celebrations.
Most Recognizable Song: According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most recognized songs in the English language. It's sung worldwide in countless languages, with different lyrics adapted for each culture.
Public Domain: As mentioned earlier, the song is now considered to be in the public domain in the United States. This means that anyone can use it without fear of copyright infringement. However, this may not be the case in all countries, so it's essential to check local copyright laws.
Highest-Grossing Song: Due to its long history of copyright protection, "Happy Birthday to You" was considered the highest-grossing song of all time for many years, with estimated annual royalties in the millions of dollars.
Alternative Birthday Songs: While "Happy Birthday to You" is the most popular birthday song, there are alternative birthday songs in different cultures and languages. For example, in Germany, "Zum Geburtstag viel Glück" is a common birthday song.
Movie Appearances: "Happy Birthday to You" has made numerous appearances in movies and TV shows over the years, often sung at birthday parties or as a humorous reference.
Traditional Tune: Despite being a widely recognized and celebrated song, it remains a traditional tune with no official lyric or melody changes. People may add their own variations, but the core melody and message remain consistent.
Sing-along Tradition: Singing "Happy Birthday" is a nearly universal tradition when celebrating someone's birthday. It's typically followed by the person blowing out candles on a birthday cake, making a wish, and then cutting and sharing the cake with friends and family.
"Happy Birthday to You" continues to be an integral part of birthday celebrations worldwide, making it a timeless and culturally significant song.