We have a collection of 45 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday (Variations)
Did you know the original melody of Happy Birthday was called "Good Morning to All"? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most well-known and frequently sung songs in the world. Here are some interesting facts about this traditional birthday song:
Origins and Copyright: "Happy Birthday to You" was composed by two American sisters, Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill, in the late 19th century. Originally, the song was titled "Good Morning to All" and was meant to be sung in classrooms. It eventually evolved into the birthday song we know today.
Longest Copyrighted Song: For many years, "Happy Birthday to You" was under copyright protection, making it one of the longest copyrighted songs in history. The copyright was owned by Warner/Chappell Music until a legal ruling in 2016 declared that the song is in the public domain, making it free to use.
Guinness World Record: "Happy Birthday to You" holds a Guinness World Record as the most recognized song in the English language. It's sung at birthday parties all over the world, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.
Alternative Lyrics: While the most commonly sung version of the song uses the lyrics "Happy birthday to you," there are alternative versions with different lyrics in different languages. In some cultures, the melody is the same, but the lyrics are adapted to fit the birthday celebration.
Warner/Chappell Lawsuit: The song's long-standing copyright claim by Warner/Chappell led to a class-action lawsuit. In 2016, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Warner/Chappell's claim to the copyright was not valid, which ultimately placed the song in the public domain.
Royalties and Earnings: Before the copyright ruling, it was estimated that Warner/Chappell collected millions of dollars in royalties each year from people and companies using the song in various commercial settings, such as in movies, TV shows, and public performances.
Celebrity Singers: Over the years, countless celebrities and musicians have performed "Happy Birthday to You" in their own unique styles. These performances have ranged from intimate and heartfelt to grand and extravagant, depending on the occasion.
Birthday Song Alternatives: Due to copyright restrictions on "Happy Birthday to You," some restaurants and individuals have created their own birthday songs to avoid paying royalties. These alternative birthday songs are often used in commercial settings.
Public Domain Status: Since the song is now in the public domain, anyone is free to use it without fear of copyright infringement. This has made it even more accessible and popular for birthday celebrations around the world.
Cultural Adaptations: In some countries, the melody of "Happy Birthday to You" is used with different lyrics and variations to fit their specific birthday traditions. For example, in Germany, the song "Zum Geburtstag viel Glück" is commonly sung.
"Happy Birthday to You" is a timeless and universally recognized song that continues to bring joy to people of all ages as they celebrate their birthdays. Its transition to the public domain has made it even more accessible and cherished worldwide.