We have a collection of 45 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday
Did you know "Happy Birthday" was once copyrighted and required royalties for public performances? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most widely recognized songs in the world, but its history is quite interesting. Here are some facts about the traditional version of "Happy Birthday to You":
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 in the late 19th century. The original lyrics were for a kindergarten song.
Lyrics: The lyrics we commonly associate with "Happy Birthday to You" were added later. The combination of the melody and the birthday lyrics became popular, and the song evolved into a birthday celebration standard.
Copyright: The song's copyright was claimed by the Summy Company, who published it in a songbook in 1924. For many years, it was under copyright protection, making it one of the most lucrative songs in history. However, the copyright status became a subject of legal disputes.
Public Domain: In 2016, a U.S. judge ruled that the copyright claim was not valid for the lyrics, declaring "Happy Birthday to You" to be in the public domain. This means that it is no longer subject to copyright restrictions, and anyone can use it without paying royalties.
Recordings: Despite its popularity, "Happy Birthday to You" was rarely recorded or performed in movies due to copyright issues. Instead, alternative songs were often used in films and TV shows when characters celebrated birthdays. The public domain status has changed this, and the song is now more widely used in various media.
Singing Tradition: The tradition of singing "Happy Birthday" before cutting a birthday cake is a widespread custom in many cultures. It's a joyful way to celebrate someone's special day and has become a universal part of birthday festivities.