We have a collection of 45 arrangements for Misc Traditional - Happy Birthday
Why was "Happy Birthday" once subject to copyright disputes? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most recognizable and widely sung songs in the world, but it has a surprisingly interesting history. Here are some facts about this iconic tune:
Origins in the Late 19th Century: The melody of "Happy Birthday to You" is believed to have been composed by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill in the late 19th century. The original lyrics were "Good Morning to All."
Versatile Lyrics: While "Happy Birthday to You" is the most commonly used version, it's worth noting that there are many variations of the lyrics in different languages and cultures around the world.
Copyright Dispute: For many years, Warner/Chappell Music claimed to hold the copyright to "Happy Birthday to You" and collected royalties whenever it was used in films, TV shows, and public performances. However, in 2016, a U.S. judge ruled that the song was in the public domain, and Warner/Chappell had to repay millions in collected fees.
Recorded More Than Any Other Song: "Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most recorded songs in history. It has been sung and recorded by countless artists in various styles and languages.
NASA's Martian Serenade: In 2012, NASA's Curiosity rover celebrated its first year on Mars by playing "Happy Birthday to You" on the Red Planet. This marked the first time a song had been played on another planet.
World's Most Recognizable Song: According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is the most recognized song in the English language. It's a testament to its widespread popularity.
Alternative Birthday Songs: In some countries, traditional birthday songs other than "Happy Birthday to You" are more common. For example, in Russia, "Tili-tili-bom" is a popular birthday song.
Birthday Cake Tradition: The tradition of putting candles on birthday cakes and making a wish before blowing them out is believed to have originated with the Greeks, who would offer round cakes with lit candles to Artemis, the goddess of the moon.
Singing Telegrams: In the early 20th century, singing telegrams were a popular way to deliver birthday wishes. People would hire performers to surprise the recipient with a personalized song, often including "Happy Birthday to You."
Popular in Movies: "Happy Birthday to You" has been featured in countless movies and TV shows, making it a go-to song for birthday scenes in entertainment.
"Happy Birthday to You" is a song that has transcended its origins to become a universal symbol of birthday celebrations and joy around the world.