We have a collection of 77 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday (Viel Glück und viel Segen)
"Happy Birthday to You" is a widely recognized and celebrated song. Here are some interesting facts about it:
Copyright Controversy: "Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most famous songs in the English language. However, it was subject to a long copyright dispute. For decades, Warner/Chappell claimed to hold the copyright to the song and earned significant royalties from its use. In 2016, a U.S. judge ruled that the copyright was not valid, making the song part of the public domain.
Origins: The melody for "Happy Birthday to You" is believed to have originated in the 19th century. The lyrics that we commonly associate with the song today were added later.
Different Versions: There are various versions of the song with slightly different lyrics, but the most common version is the one that begins with "Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you."
Singing Tradition: "Happy Birthday to You" is typically sung at birthday celebrations around the world. It's a tradition to sing this song before cutting the birthday cake and making a wish.
Guinness World Record: In 2015, a group of people in Manila, Philippines, set a Guinness World Record for the largest ensemble singing "Happy Birthday" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a shopping mall. Thousands of people participated.
Public Domain: As mentioned earlier, "Happy Birthday to You" is now considered to be in the public domain in the United States, which means it can be used freely without the need for licensing or paying royalties.
Versatile Song: While "Happy Birthday to You" is traditionally associated with birthday celebrations, it has also been used in various movies, TV shows, and even advertisements. Its familiarity and universal appeal make it a versatile tune.
International Popularity: Although the lyrics are in English, the tune of "Happy Birthday to You" is so widely recognized that it's sung in many different languages around the world, often with translated lyrics.
Alternative Birthday Songs: While "Happy Birthday to You" is the most well-known birthday song, there are many alternative birthday songs in various cultures. For example, in Germany, "Zum Geburtstag viel Glück" is a popular birthday song.
Public Domain Celebration: The song's entry into the public domain in the United States was seen as a victory for those advocating for broader access to public domain works and fair copyright laws.
Now that "Happy Birthday to You" is in the public domain, you can freely sing it and use it for any birthday celebration without worrying about copyright issues.