We have a collection of 45 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday
Did you know "Happy Birthday" was once copyrighted and cost millions to use in films? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most recognizable and widely sung songs in the world. Here are some interesting facts about this traditional birthday song:
Copyright Controversy: "Happy Birthday to You" was subject to a long-standing copyright dispute. For many years, Warner/Chappell Music claimed to hold the copyright to the song, leading to it being one of the most lucrative songs in history. However, in 2016, a U.S. judge ruled that the copyright was not valid, and the song entered the public domain, making it free for public use.
Origins: The melody of "Happy Birthday to You" can be traced back to the late 19th century. It is believed to have evolved from the song "Good Morning to All," which was composed by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill in 1893. Initially, it was a classroom greeting song.
Lyrics: The familiar "Happy Birthday to You" lyrics, which start with "Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You," were added later to fit the celebratory occasion of birthdays. These lyrics are commonly attributed to Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill.
Most Recognizable Song: "Happy Birthday to You" is often cited as one of the most recognized songs in the English language, and possibly the world. Its melody is instantly associated with birthday celebrations.
Multiple Languages: The song is not limited to English-speaking celebrations. It has been translated into numerous languages and is sung worldwide with variations in lyrics.
Singing Telegrams: In the early to mid-20th century, it was common for people to send singing telegrams to celebrate birthdays. Often, these telegrams featured a performer delivering a live rendition of "Happy Birthday to You."
Longest Happy Birthday Song: The longest singing of "Happy Birthday" in a movie is in the 2003 movie "In This World," where it is sung for 73 seconds in Arabic.
Alternative Lyrics: Some people and cultures have alternative lyrics for birthday songs. For example, in the Spanish-speaking world, "Las Mañanitas" is a popular birthday song with different lyrics.
Public Domain Status: Since entering the public domain in 2016, "Happy Birthday to You" can be used freely without the need to pay royalties. This change was significant, as previously, it was a subject of legal disputes and royalties had to be paid for public performances.
Sung by Celebrities: "Happy Birthday" is often sung at birthday parties, and there have been many notable renditions by celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe's famous sultry performance of the song to President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
"Happy Birthday to You" continues to be a beloved and universal way to celebrate birthdays, and its history is a fascinating example of how a simple song can become a cultural icon.