We have a collection of 58 arrangements for Traditional - Happy Birthday
Did you know "Happy Birthday" was originally a classroom greeting song? Learn!
"Happy Birthday to You" is one of the most widely recognized songs in the world, but it has an interesting history and some surprising facts:
Original Title: The song's original title was "Good Morning to All." It was composed by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J. Hill in 1893. The lyrics were initially written for kindergarten children to sing.
Birthday Adaptation: The lyrics we know today ("Happy Birthday to You") were adapted to fit the melody of "Good Morning to All" and became popular as a birthday song.
Copyright Controversy: For many years, Warner/Chappell Music claimed to hold the copyright to the song, making it one of the highest-earning songs in the world. However, in 2016, a U.S. federal judge ruled that the copyright claim was not valid, and the song is now considered to be in the public domain.
Linguistic Impact: "Happy Birthday to You" has been translated into numerous languages, making it a truly global birthday anthem.
Recorded Versions: The song has been recorded by countless artists across various genres. It's one of the most performed and recorded songs in history.
Alternative Lyrics: Over the years, people have created alternative lyrics to the song, sometimes to suit specific occasions or to add a humorous touch. These variations can be found in various cultures and communities.
Birthday Traditions: The song is a central part of birthday celebrations in many cultures. It's often sung before the birthday person blows out the candles on their cake.
Longest Singing Marathon: The record for the longest singing marathon of "Happy Birthday" was set in 2005 by a group of students in Illinois who sang the song continuously for 50 hours and 5 minutes.
Space Performance: In 2005, NASA used "Happy Birthday to You" to wake up astronaut Michael Fincke, who was celebrating his birthday aboard the International Space Station.
Educational Origins: The original tune, "Good Morning to All," was created for educational purposes. Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill were both educators, and they intended the song to be used by teachers as a simple greeting for their students.
"Happy Birthday to You" has become an integral part of birthday celebrations worldwide, and its history reflects a blend of education, creativity, and cultural adaptation over the years.