We have a collection of 77 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday
Did you know "Happy Birthday" was originally a classroom greeting song? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most widely recognized songs in the English language, and it's associated with birthdays all around the world. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic tune:
Origins and Copyright: "Happy Birthday to You" was originally composed as "Good Morning to All" by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill in the late 19th century. The melody was initially intended to be sung in kindergarten classrooms to greet children.
Birthday Lyrics: The lyrics we associate with "Happy Birthday to You" ("Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear [name], Happy birthday to you") were added to the tune later, but it's not entirely clear who added them.
Copyright Controversy: For many years, Warner/Chappell Music claimed to hold the copyright for "Happy Birthday to You," and they collected royalties whenever the song was used in public performances. However, in 2016, a U.S. judge ruled that Warner/Chappell's claim to the copyright was not valid, declaring the song to be in the public domain.
Most Sung Song: According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is the most recognized song in the English language. It's sung worldwide to celebrate birthdays.
Translations and Variations: The song has been translated into various languages, and there are countless regional variations of the lyrics and melodies used to celebrate birthdays.
Public Performances: Prior to the copyright dispute, public performances of the song were technically subject to copyright fees, which led many restaurants and venues to create their own birthday songs to avoid paying royalties.
Singing Telegrams: "Happy Birthday to You" was a popular choice for singing telegrams in the 20th century. Performers dressed in costumes would deliver birthday wishes in the form of a song.
Historical Occurrences: The song has been used in many historical and pop culture contexts, from Marilyn Monroe's rendition to President John F. Kennedy on his 45th birthday to being sung in movies, TV shows, and at various celebrations.
Legal Changes: The 2016 ruling that put "Happy Birthday to You" in the public domain was a significant legal change that allowed the song to be used freely in various public performances and media without concerns about copyright.
Cultural Icon: "Happy Birthday to You" has transcended its original purpose as a simple classroom greeting to become a cultural icon and an integral part of birthday celebrations worldwide.
These facts highlight the enduring and widespread popularity of "Happy Birthday to You" and its fascinating history, from its humble origins to its role as a universal birthday anthem.