Patty Hill, Mildred J. Hill - Happy Birthday to You (Variations by Gijs Bikker)

"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most well-known and widely sung songs in the world. Here are some interesting facts about this traditional birthday song:

1. Origins and Composer:

   • The melody of "Happy Birthday to You" comes from the 19th-century song "Good Morning to All," which was composed by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill.
   • The lyrics we commonly associate with the birthday song were later added to the tune. The origin of the birthday lyrics is unclear, but they are believed to have been added in the early 20th century.

2. Copyright Status:

   • For many years, the song was under copyright protection, leading to its use being subject to licensing fees. The copyright claim was initially held by the Summy Company, which later became Warner/Chappell Music.
   • In 2016, a U.S. judge ruled that Warner/Chappell's claim to the copyright was not valid, declaring that the song should be in the public domain. This decision made "Happy Birthday to You" freely usable without the need for payment.

3. Most Recognizable Song:

   • According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is the most recognized song in the English language.

4. Language Variations:

   • The song is often translated and sung in various languages around the world, with different lyrics but the same melody.

5. Public Performances:

   • The song is frequently sung during birthday celebrations and is a standard part of the birthday tradition in many cultures.

6. Alternative Versions:

   • Over the years, numerous parody and alternative versions of the song have been created for humorous or specific occasions. These versions play on the familiar melody while incorporating new and often comical lyrics.

7. Milestone Birthdays:

   • The song is commonly sung at milestone birthdays, such as the 1st, 16th, 21st, 50th, and so on, to celebrate significant moments in a person's life.

8. Cultural Impact:

   • The song has become a cultural phenomenon, featured in countless movies, TV shows, and other forms of media. It is almost a universal element of birthday celebrations.

9. Public Domain Recognition:

   • Following the 2016 court ruling that declared the song to be in the public domain, its usage in various forms of media and public performances increased, as there were no longer copyright restrictions.