We have a collection of 45 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most well-known and widely sung songs in the world. Here are some interesting facts about this traditional birthday song:
Origins: The melody of "Happy Birthday to You" comes from the song "Good Morning to All," which was composed by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill. The original song was intended to be a classroom greeting song for teachers to sing to their students.
Lyrics: The lyrics we commonly sing today, "Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday dear [name], Happy Birthday to You," were added to the melody later. The combination of the melody and these lyrics turned it into the iconic birthday song we know today.
Copyright: For many years, the song was under copyright protection, and Warner/Chappell Music claimed to hold the copyright. This led to legal issues and controversies, especially when the song was used in movies, TV shows, and 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 Recognized Song: According to the Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is the most recognized song in the English language.
Public Domain: As of the ruling in 2016, the song is considered to be in the public domain in the United States, meaning that it can be freely used by the public without the need for permission or payment.
Alternative Versions: Due to copyright issues, people often used alternative birthday songs in movies and TV shows before the song entered the public domain. This led to the creation of various creative and humorous alternatives to the traditional "Happy Birthday to You" song.
International Variations: In different countries and cultures, there are variations of the birthday song, each with its own melody and lyrics. Despite the variations, the sentiment of celebrating someone's birthday remains a common theme.
"Happy Birthday to You" continues to be a timeless and universal way to celebrate birthdays around the world.