We have a collection of 45 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday
Why was "Happy Birthday" copyrighted until 2017 despite its ancient melody? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most well-known and frequently sung songs in the world, and it's often sung at birthday celebrations. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic tune:
Copyright Controversy: "Happy Birthday to You" was originally composed by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill in the late 19th century. The song's melody was initially written as "Good Morning to All" and was used in kindergarten classrooms to greet students. The lyrics were later changed to "Happy Birthday to You."
Copyright Status: For many years, Warner/Chappell Music claimed to hold the copyright to the song, which meant that they earned royalties every time it was used in a commercial setting. This led to a long-standing controversy and legal battles over the song's copyright. However, in 2016, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Warner/Chappell's claim to the copyright was not valid, making "Happy Birthday to You" a public domain song in the United States.
Most Sung Song: According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is the most recognized song in the English language. It is sung by people all over the world to celebrate birthdays.
Alternative Versions: While the traditional version of "Happy Birthday to You" is the most well-known, there are many alternative versions of the song in different languages and styles. People often create their own variations to make the birthday song more personal and unique.
Public Performances: Before the copyright dispute was settled, businesses and filmmakers often had to pay significant royalties to use the song in their projects. This led to creative alternatives being used in movies and television shows to avoid paying fees for using the traditional version.
Lawsuit Settlement: The settlement of the copyright lawsuit in 2016 resulted in the song "Happy Birthday to You" officially entering the public domain in the United States. This means that anyone can use the song without fear of copyright infringement.
International Popularity: While "Happy Birthday to You" is most commonly associated with English-speaking countries, it is recognized and sung in many languages around the world with translated lyrics.
Birthday Song History: Prior to the widespread adoption of "Happy Birthday to You," various other birthday songs were used in different cultures. The song's popularity and simplicity helped it become the global birthday anthem it is today.
Musical Adaptations: "Happy Birthday to You" has been adapted and incorporated into various musical styles, including jazz, rock, and classical music. It's often used as a base for creative musical performances during birthday celebrations.
World Record Sing-Along: In 2015, on the occasion of the song's 122nd anniversary, a world record was set for the largest "Happy Birthday to You" sing-along. Thousands of people gathered in the Philippines to sing the song simultaneously.
"Happy Birthday to You" is not just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon that brings people together to celebrate the joy of birthdays around the world.