We have a collection of 58 arrangements for Happy Birthday
Did you know "Happy Birthday" was under copyright until 2017? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most well-known and frequently sung songs in the world. While it's often considered a traditional song, it actually has a fascinating history with some interesting facts:
Origins: The melody for "Happy Birthday to You" comes from the song "Good Morning to All," which was composed by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill in the late 19th century. Initially, it was a song teachers could use to welcome their students to the classroom.
Birthday Adaptation: The lyrics we know today, "Happy Birthday to You," were later added to the melody, transforming it into a birthday song. The lyrics were published in a songbook in 1893.
Copyright Controversy: "Happy Birthday to You" was under copyright protection for many years, making it one of the most lucrative songs in history. The copyright was owned by Warner/Chappell Music until a legal battle in 2016 determined that the song was in the public domain, making it free to use.
Singing Across Cultures: "Happy Birthday to You" is sung in various languages around the world, but the melody remains the same. The lyrics may change to fit the language, but the tune is universal.
Guinness World Record: "Happy Birthday to You" has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as one of the most frequently sung songs in the English language. It's sung millions of times every day around the world.
Birthday Traditions: The song is often accompanied by the presentation of a birthday cake with candles. The tradition of making a wish and blowing out the candles likely dates back to ancient Greece, where people would offer cakes and candles to Artemis, the goddess of the moon.
Movie Appearances: "Happy Birthday to You" has appeared in countless movies and TV shows, becoming a pop culture staple. It's often sung at fictional birthday celebrations on screen.
Alternative Versions: Over the years, many artists and musicians have created their own renditions of "Happy Birthday to You," adding their unique styles and interpretations to the song.
Public Domain Status: As of the legal ruling in 2016, "Happy Birthday to You" is considered to be in the public domain in the United States, meaning that it can be used without the need to pay royalties. However, the song's status may still vary in other countries due to different copyright laws.
Recorded Versions: There are many famous recorded versions of the song by various artists. For example, The Beatles recorded their own version, titled "Birthday," which appears on their White Album.
"Happy Birthday to You" continues to be a timeless and beloved song, bringing people together to celebrate birthdays all over the world.