We have a collection of 58 arrangements for Henry Drembus - Happy Birthday
Why was "Happy Birthday" once subject to copyright disputes? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is a widely recognized and sung song, often used to celebrate birthdays around the world. Here are some interesting facts about this traditional tune:
Origin: The melody for "Happy Birthday to You" is believed to have originated from the song "Good Morning to All," which was composed by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill in the late 19th century. The lyrics were initially different, focusing on a simple greeting.
Evolution of Lyrics: The lyrics we know today as "Happy Birthday to You" were added to the melody later. The song's current lyrics are under copyright protection, which has caused controversy and legal issues regarding its usage.
Copyright: Warner/Chappell Music claimed copyright ownership of the song for many years, demanding royalties from those who used it in public performances or commercial settings. However, in 2016, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Warner/Chappell's claim to the copyright was not valid, declaring "Happy Birthday to You" to be in the public domain.
Singing Telegrams: During the early 20th century, "Happy Birthday to You" gained popularity as part of the singing telegram service. People would hire performers to deliver birthday greetings in the form of a live song performance.
Most Sung Song: "Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most frequently sung songs in the English language. It is estimated that it is sung around 1.5 million times every day.
Multiple Languages: While the song is most commonly sung in English, it has been translated into numerous languages around the world, making it a universal birthday celebration song.
Public Domain: As mentioned earlier, the song is now considered to be in the public domain in the United States, which means it can be used freely without copyright restrictions. This has made it more accessible for public and commercial use.
Recorded Versions: Over the years, "Happy Birthday to You" has been recorded by countless artists in various musical styles. It has appeared in movies, TV shows, and even has its own dedicated versions for different age groups, such as "Happy Sweet Sixteen" or "Happy 50th Birthday."
Birthday Candles: It's a common tradition to sing "Happy Birthday to You" before blowing out the candles on a birthday cake. This custom is said to date back to ancient Greece when people would make offerings to their gods with a cake topped with candles.
Alternative Birthday Songs: While "Happy Birthday to You" is the most well-known birthday song, there are alternative birthday songs in various cultures, such as the German "Viel Glück und viel Segen" and the Spanish "Feliz Cumpleaños."
"Happy Birthday to You" remains an integral part of birthday celebrations worldwide, despite its complex history and legal disputes surrounding its copyright.