We have a collection of 45 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday
Did you know "Happy Birthday" was copyrighted until 2016? 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 tune:
Authorship Dispute: The song's origins are disputed. It's often attributed to Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill, both American kindergarten teachers. However, the actual authorship is a matter of debate and has led to legal controversies over the years.
Original Title: The original title of the song was "Good Morning to All." Patty Hill and Mildred Hill wrote it as a classroom greeting song for kindergarten students. It later evolved into "Happy Birthday to You" with different lyrics.
First Publication: The song first appeared in print in 1893 when it was published in a songbook titled "Song Stories for the Kindergarten."
Copyright Controversy: Warner/Chappell Music claimed to hold the copyright for "Happy Birthday to You" for many years, charging royalties for its use in films, TV shows, and public performances. In 2016, a U.S. court ruled that Warner/Chappell's claim to the copyright was not valid, making the song public domain.
Most Recognized Song: According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most recognized songs in the English language. It's sung worldwide to celebrate birthdays and has been translated into numerous languages.
Largest Birthday Sing-along: On April 6, 2014, in an attempt to set a record, thousands of people gathered in Los Angeles and sang "Happy Birthday to You" together. This event was organized by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).
Movie and TV Appearances: "Happy Birthday to You" has appeared in countless movies and TV shows. It's often used to depict birthday celebrations in popular culture.
Melody Variations: While the lyrics are well-known, the melody itself has been used for other songs, including the "ABC Song" and "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." These songs have the same tune but different lyrics.
Public Domain Status: As of 2016, "Happy Birthday to You" is considered public domain in the United States. This means it can be freely used without paying royalties, although it's still subject to copyright in some other countries.
Cultural Icon: The song is not just a birthday tradition but also a cultural icon. It has been referenced and parodied in various forms of media, further cementing its place in popular culture.
So, the next time you sing "Happy Birthday to You," you'll have some interesting historical and legal context to think about.