We have a collection of 45 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday
Did you know this birthday anthem was originally a classroom greeting called "Good Morning to All"? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most well-known and frequently sung songs in the world, but it has some interesting facts and history behind it:
Origins: 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. Initially, it was a greeting song for children in Patty Hill's kindergarten class.
Lyrics: The lyrics we commonly associate with "Happy Birthday to You" were not part of the original composition. The lyrics were added later to make it a birthday song. The first lyrics were published in a songbook in 1924.
Copyright: The song was copyrighted in 1935 by the Summy Company (now part of Warner/Chappell Music) based on the lyrics and melody that were added to the original tune. This copyright led to controversy and lawsuits over the song's usage and public domain status.
Public Domain: In 2016, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Warner/Chappell's claim to the copyright was not valid. This decision effectively placed "Happy Birthday to You" into the public domain in the United States, making it free for public use.
Worldwide Fame: "Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most widely recognized songs globally. It's sung in many languages and is a staple at birthday celebrations around the world.
Variations: There are countless variations and adaptations of the song, with people often substituting the lyrics with personalized names and messages to make it more personal.
Recorded Versions: Over the years, many famous artists and musicians have recorded their versions of "Happy Birthday to You." Marilyn Monroe famously sang it to President John F. Kennedy at a birthday celebration in 1962.
Movie and TV Appearances: The song has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials. Its popularity in media has further cemented its status as the go-to birthday song.
Royalties: Before the song entered the public domain, Warner/Chappell was reportedly earning millions of dollars in royalties every year from its use in various media.
Alternative Birthday Songs: While "Happy Birthday to You" is the most common birthday song, many cultures have their own traditional birthday songs. For example, in Germany, "Zum Geburtstag viel Glück" is a popular choice.
"Happy Birthday to You" has a fascinating history that highlights the evolution of a simple kindergarten song into a globally recognized birthday anthem. Its journey through copyright disputes and its eventual release into the public domain make it a unique piece of musical history.