We have a collection of 45 arrangements for Mildred J. Hill & Patty Hill - Happy Birthday
Why was "Happy Birthday" copyrighted for over 80 years? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most well-known and frequently sung songs in the world. Here are some interesting facts about this traditional birthday song:
Origins and Copyright: The melody for "Happy Birthday to You" comes from the song "Good Morning to All," which was composed by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill in the late 19th century. The lyrics for "Happy Birthday to You" were added later. The song was first published in 1893, and it was copyrighted in 1935, which led to a long and controversial copyright dispute.
Copyright Controversy: For many years, Warner/Chappell Music claimed to hold the copyright for "Happy Birthday to You." This led to the song being one of the highest-earning compositions in the world, generating millions of dollars in royalties. However, in 2016, a U.S. judge ruled that the copyright was not valid, declaring the song to be in the public domain.
Alternative Lyrics: While the most common lyrics to "Happy Birthday to You" are the familiar ones we all know, there are alternative sets of lyrics in different languages and cultures. People often come up with their own creative and humorous versions of the song.
Worldwide Recognition: "Happy Birthday to You" is sung in various languages around the world, but interestingly, the melody is often the same. Different countries may have their own traditional birthday songs, but the familiar tune of "Happy Birthday to You" is recognized globally.
Public Performance: Due to the copyright restrictions, public performances of "Happy Birthday to You" were technically subject to royalty payments until the copyright was declared invalid in 2016. This meant that restaurants, television shows, and movies had to be careful about using the song without permission.
Guinness World Records: "Happy Birthday to You" is recognized by the Guinness World Records as one of the most popular songs in the English language. It's commonly sung at birthday celebrations, making it a universal part of the birthday experience.
Celebrity Performances: Over the years, numerous artists and celebrities have performed their renditions of "Happy Birthday to You" for special occasions or as part of public events. These performances often add a unique and entertaining twist to the traditional song.
Whether you're singing it in a group setting or hearing it on your special day, "Happy Birthday to You" remains a timeless and widely cherished part of birthday celebrations.