We have a collection of 58 arrangements for Happy Birthday to You
Who originally composed the melody for Happy Birthday? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most well-known and frequently sung songs in the world, and it has an interesting history. Here are some facts about this traditional song:
Copyright Controversy: "Happy Birthday to You" was originally composed by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill in the late 19th century. The song was originally titled "Good Morning to All" and was intended as a classroom greeting. The lyrics were later changed to "Happy Birthday to You" to celebrate birthdays. The song's copyright became a subject of controversy, and for many years, Warner/Chappell Music claimed to hold the copyright, charging royalties for its use. However, in 2016, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Warner/Chappell's claim to the copyright was not valid, making the song public domain in the United States.
Universal Recognition: "Happy Birthday to You" is recognized worldwide and is sung in numerous languages and cultures, often with slight variations in the lyrics but the same melody. It's a testament to the song's universal appeal and simple, memorable tune.
Most Recognizable Song: According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most recognized songs in the English language. Its widespread use in various celebrations has contributed to its popularity.
Public Performances: Due to the copyright controversy surrounding the song, many restaurants, venues, and even TV shows and movies avoided singing "Happy Birthday to You" in public settings or had to pay licensing fees for its use. Since the song is now in the public domain in the United States, this is no longer an issue.
Alternative Birthday Songs: While "Happy Birthday to You" is the most well-known birthday song, there are alternative birthday songs in various cultures. For example, in Mexico, the song "Las Mañanitas" is commonly sung at birthdays, and in some countries, "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" is used.
Highest-Grossing Song: At one point, "Happy Birthday to You" was considered the highest-grossing song of all time due to the royalties collected by Warner/Chappell. However, this changed when the copyright was invalidated.
Public Domain Status: The public domain status of "Happy Birthday to You" means that anyone can use, perform, or adapt the song without legal restrictions in the United States. This has led to more widespread use and creative variations of the song.
Variety of Celebrations: While "Happy Birthday to You" is most commonly associated with birthday celebrations, it is also used to celebrate other milestones and events, such as anniversaries and weddings.
"Happy Birthday to You" is a simple yet universally beloved song that has a fascinating history, including a significant copyright dispute that ultimately led to it becoming part of the public domain in the United States.