We have a collection of 45 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday
Why was "Happy Birthday" subject to copyright disputes until 2023? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most well-known and widely sung songs in the world, but there are some interesting facts and trivia about this traditional tune:
Copyright Controversy: "Happy Birthday to You" was under copyright protection for many years. Warner/Chappell Music claimed the copyright and collected royalties for its use in various commercial settings. However, in 2016, a U.S. federal judge ruled that the song was in the public domain, which means it is no longer under copyright protection. This ruling was a significant victory for those who argued that such a well-known song should be free for public use.
Origins and Adaptation: The melody for "Happy Birthday to You" comes from a 19th-century song called "Good Morning to All." Patty Hill, a kindergarten teacher, wrote the melody, and her sister, Mildred J. Hill, wrote the lyrics. The song was initially intended for classroom use and would be sung as a greeting. The "Happy Birthday" lyrics we know today were adapted to fit the melody.
Most Recognizable Song: According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is the most recognized song in the English language. It is sung in many countries and languages, making it a truly universal celebration song.
Movie and TV Appearances: "Happy Birthday to You" has appeared in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials. It's often used to depict birthday celebrations in media.
Public Domain Status: As mentioned earlier, the song's copyright status has been a subject of legal disputes. The song's official entry into the public domain marked a significant moment in intellectual property rights history, as it demonstrated the importance of defining what can and cannot be copyrighted.
Most Profitable Song Ever: Before the copyright status changed, "Happy Birthday to You" was often considered one of the most profitable songs ever. It was estimated to bring in millions of dollars in royalties each year.
Sung Around the World: The song may have originated in the United States, but it is sung around the world, often with local language lyrics. The melody is so catchy and universally recognized that it transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Birthday Singing Traditions: Singing "Happy Birthday" and blowing out candles on a birthday cake are common traditions in many countries. While the lyrics may differ, the melody remains the same.
Alternative Lyrics: In some cases, people have come up with alternative, humorous, or personalized lyrics for "Happy Birthday" to make the song more unique for a specific individual. These can be quite entertaining and creative.
Public Performances: Before the copyright was challenged, public performances of "Happy Birthday to You" in commercial settings often required the payment of licensing fees to Warner/Chappell Music. This is why restaurants and other businesses would sometimes have their own birthday songs to avoid these fees.
Now that "Happy Birthday to You" is in the public domain, you are free to sing it and use it in any way you like without worrying about copyright restrictions.