We have a collection of 79 arrangements for Patty & Mildred J. Hill - Happy Birthday (Paljon onnea vaan)
Why was "Happy Birthday" copyrighted until 2016? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is a popular traditional song that is sung to celebrate someone's birthday. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Copyright Controversy: "Happy Birthday to You" was subject to a long and disputed copyright claim. For many years, it was believed to be under copyright protection, and Warner/Chappell Music collected royalties from anyone who wanted to use the song in a commercial setting. However, in 2016, a U.S. judge ruled that the song was in the public domain, making it free for everyone to use.
Original Lyrics and Melody: The original lyrics to the song were written by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill, two American schoolteachers, in the late 19th century. The melody was also composed by Mildred. The song was originally titled "Good Morning to All" and was intended to be sung by children as a greeting to their teachers.
Adaptation into "Happy Birthday": Over time, the lyrics of "Good Morning to All" were adapted to become the "Happy Birthday to You" song we know today. The lyrics were modified to fit the birthday celebration context.
Most Recognizable Song: "Happy Birthday to You" is often considered the most recognized song in the English language. It is sung in almost every corner of the world, regardless of cultural or language differences.
Public Domain Status: As mentioned earlier, the song is now in the public domain in the United States, meaning that it can be used without restrictions. This was a significant development as it allowed for greater freedom in using the song in various forms of media and public celebrations.
Guinness World Record: In 1998, the Guinness World Records recognized "Happy Birthday to You" as the most recognized song in the English language. It's a testament to the song's universal popularity and use.
Common Tunes for Birthday Celebrations: While "Happy Birthday to You" is widely known and used for birthday celebrations, various cultures and languages have their own birthday songs and traditions. For example, in Spanish-speaking countries, "Las Mañanitas" is a popular birthday song.
Singing Style: "Happy Birthday to You" is typically sung in a cheerful and upbeat manner to celebrate a person's birthday. People often sing it while presenting a birthday cake with lit candles, and the song ends with a round of applause and the birthday person blowing out the candles.
Variations and Parodies: Over the years, there have been many variations and parodies of "Happy Birthday to You." Some people create their own humorous or personalized versions of the song to make birthday celebrations more fun.
Legal Implications: Even after its copyright status changed, some limitations and legal issues may still apply to the use of "Happy Birthday to You" in commercial settings or recordings. It's essential to understand the legal implications if you plan to use the song in such contexts.