We have a collection of 77 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday
Did you know "Happy Birthday" was copyrighted for 80+ years? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most widely recognized and sung songs in the world, and it has a fascinating history. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic tune:
Original Lyrics and Melody: "Happy Birthday to You" was originally composed as "Good Morning to All" in the late 19th century by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill. The lyrics were originally intended for teachers to use to greet their students in the morning.
Birthday Adaptation: The lyrics we know today ("Happy Birthday to You") were adapted from the original by adding the birthday theme. The new lyrics caught on quickly and became associated with birthday celebrations.
Copyright Controversy: For many years, Warner/Chappell Music claimed to hold the copyright for "Happy Birthday to You" and charged royalties for its use in movies, TV shows, and public performances. This practice faced legal challenges, and in 2016, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Warner/Chappell did not hold valid copyright for the song, declaring it in the public domain.
Most Recognizable English Song: "Happy Birthday to You" is often cited as one of the most widely recognized songs in the English language, alongside songs like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and "The Alphabet Song."
Linguistic Adaptations: The song has been translated into numerous languages around the world, each with its own lyrics that convey birthday wishes. In some cultures, it's common to sing a birthday song inspired by the melody of "Happy Birthday to You."
World Record Sing-Along: On April 22, 2016, in honor of the song entering the public domain, a massive sing-along event took place in Los Angeles, California. It involved thousands of people singing "Happy Birthday to You" together and set a Guinness World Record for the largest-ever gathering of people singing the song.
Musical Variations: Over the years, "Happy Birthday to You" has been adapted into various musical styles, including rock, jazz, classical, and more. Many artists have recorded their versions of the song.
Cultural References: The song has made appearances in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials, becoming deeply ingrained in popular culture. It's often used to set the scene for birthday celebrations.
Public Domain: As of the 2016 legal ruling, "Happy Birthday to You" is considered to be in the public domain in the United States, which means it can be freely used without the need to pay royalties.
Worldwide Celebration: While the song's origins are in the United States, "Happy Birthday to You" is sung in similar ways all around the world, with people coming together to celebrate birthdays with this joyful melody.
"Happy Birthday to You" is not just a song; it's a global tradition that brings people together to celebrate life's milestones in a fun and heartfelt way.