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Traditional - Happy Birthday

"Happy Birthday to You" is a widely recognized and celebrated song, but there are some interesting facts about it:

  1. Origin: The melody for "Happy Birthday to You" was originally composed by two sisters, Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill, in the late 19th century. They called their version "Good Morning to All," and it was initially intended for classroom use.

  2. Lyrics: The lyrics we commonly associate with the song ("Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You...") were added later. The song's lyrics went through several variations before settling on the familiar birthday-themed ones.

  3. Copyright: "Happy Birthday to You" has been a subject of copyright disputes for many years. Warner/Chappell Music claimed to hold the copyright for the song, which led to them collecting royalties for its use in various commercial ventures. However, in a landmark legal decision in 2016, a U.S. judge ruled that the song's copyright was not valid, making it public domain.

  4. Most Recognized Song: According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is the most recognized song in the English language. It's sung at millions of birthday celebrations around the world every day.

  5. Alternative Versions: Over the years, various artists and cultures have created their own versions of the birthday song. These adaptations range from different lyrics to entirely new melodies, reflecting the song's universal appeal and adaptability.

  6. Cultural Impact: "Happy Birthday to You" has made numerous appearances in popular culture, from movies and TV shows to advertisements. It's a song that transcends generations and has become a symbol of celebrating birthdays.

  7. Variations: Many countries have their own versions of a birthday song, often with unique melodies and lyrics. For example, in Spanish-speaking countries, "Las Mañanitas" is a popular birthday song.

So, while "Happy Birthday to You" is a simple and familiar tune, its history and legal battles make it quite an interesting subject in the world of music.

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