We have a collection of 48 arrangements for Patty Hill, Mildred J. Hill - Happy Birthday to You
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most widely recognized songs in the English language, and it's sung around the world to celebrate birthdays. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic tune:
Origin and Copyright: "Happy Birthday to You" was composed by two American sisters, Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill, in the late 19th century. It was originally titled "Good Morning to All" and was intended for classroom use. The lyrics we know today were added later. The song was copyrighted in 1935, and it became a subject of copyright disputes.
Copyright Controversy: For many years, Warner/Chappell Music claimed to hold the copyright to the song and collected royalties whenever it was used in public performances or commercial settings. This led to numerous lawsuits and controversy. However, in 2016, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Warner/Chappell's claim to the copyright was not valid, making the song effectively public domain in the United States.
Most Recognizable Song: According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is the most recognized song in the English language. It's estimated that it's sung around the world roughly 1.5 million times each day.
Alternative Versions: While the traditional version of "Happy Birthday to You" is the most common, there are many alternative versions and adaptations in different languages and cultures. These versions often have their own unique melodies and lyrics but convey the same message of celebration.
Popular in Space: "Happy Birthday to You" has been sung in some unexpected places, including in space. Astronauts have celebrated birthdays on the International Space Station by singing the song, making it one of the few songs to have been performed in space.
Highest-Paid Song: At the height of its copyright protection, "Happy Birthday to You" was one of the highest-earning songs in the world. It generated millions of dollars in royalties annually.
Public Domain Status: As of the 2016 court ruling, "Happy Birthday to You" is considered to be in the public domain in the United States. This means that anyone can use it without the need to pay royalties.
Variety of Occasions: While it's most commonly associated with birthdays, people have adapted the tune for other occasions as well. For example, the melody is often used in the United States to sing "Happy New Year" on New Year's Eve.
Recordings: "Happy Birthday to You" has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, adding their own unique twists to the song. Some versions have become quite famous in their own right.
Cultural Impact: The song has made its way into popular culture through movies, television shows, and various forms of media. It's often used as a symbol of celebration and has become deeply ingrained in our cultural consciousness.
"Happy Birthday to You" is a simple yet incredibly powerful song that brings people together to celebrate life's milestones. Its long and sometimes contentious history has only added to its mystique and enduring popularity.