We have a collection of 45 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday
Did you know "Happy Birthday" was under copyright protection until 2015? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most widely recognized songs in the English language and is sung to celebrate birthdays around the world. Here are some interesting facts about this traditional birthday song:
Copyright Controversy: Until 2016, "Happy Birthday to You" was believed to be under copyright protection, which meant that anyone who wanted to use the song in a commercial setting (such as in movies or on television) had to pay royalties to the copyright holder. This made it one of the most lucrative songs in history. However, in 2016, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Warner/Chappell Music's claim to the copyright was not valid, making the song public domain. This legal decision made "Happy Birthday to You" free for everyone to use without fear of copyright infringement.
Origins in the Late 19th Century: The melody of "Happy Birthday to You" is believed to have originated from the 19th-century song "Good Morning to All," written by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill. The original lyrics were meant to be sung in the morning to greet students in Patty's kindergarten class. The lyrics were later adapted into the familiar birthday song we know today.
World's Most Recognizable Song: According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is the most recognized song in the English language. Its simple melody and lyrics make it easy for people of all ages to sing and remember.
Alternative Lyrics: While the most commonly sung lyrics are "Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear [Name], Happy birthday to you," there are many variations of the song with different lyrics in different languages. For example, in Spanish-speaking countries, the lyrics translate to "Feliz cumpleaños a ti."
Celebrity Use: "Happy Birthday to You" has been sung in countless films, TV shows, and even at personal birthday parties for many famous people. It's a staple in the world of entertainment and celebrations.
Alternative Birthday Songs: While "Happy Birthday to You" is the most well-known birthday song, there are alternative songs used in different cultures. For instance, in Germany, "Zum Geburtstag viel Glück" is a common birthday song, and in the Netherlands, "Lang zal ze leven" is a traditional birthday tune.
Public Domain Status: As mentioned earlier, the song is now in the public domain, meaning it is free to use without any copyright restrictions. This has made it more accessible and allowed for its widespread use in various settings without the need for royalties.
"Happy Birthday to You" is a timeless classic that continues to bring joy and celebration to people of all ages around the world.