Happy Birthday is one of the most popular songs in the world, and it is sung in almost every language. But do you know who wrote it? The answer may surprise you.
The Origins of Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday was originally called "Good Morning to All" and was written by Mildred Hill and her sister Patty in 1893. Mildred was a music teacher and Patty was a kindergarten teacher, and they wrote the song as a way to greet their students in the morning.
The song became popular outside of the classroom, and people started singing it at birthday parties. Over time, the lyrics were changed to "Happy Birthday to You" and the song became the birthday anthem we know today.
The Copyright Controversy
Despite its popularity, Happy Birthday was not in the public domain until 2016. For over 80 years, the song was owned by Warner/Chappell Music, a publishing company that claimed to hold the copyright.
However, a group of filmmakers challenged the copyright in court, arguing that the song should be in the public domain because it was written before 1923. In 2016, a judge ruled in their favor and the copyright was declared invalid, making Happy Birthday free for everyone to use.
The Legacy of Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday has become an iconic song that is recognized around the world. It is sung at birthday parties, in movies and TV shows, and even in space. In fact, NASA astronauts have sung Happy Birthday to celebrate special occasions while orbiting the Earth.
The song has also inspired countless parodies, remixes, and adaptations. From Marilyn Monroe's sultry rendition to the Beatles' psychedelic version, Happy Birthday has been reinterpreted in many different styles and genres.
Conclusion
Now that you know the story behind Happy Birthday, you can appreciate the song even more. Whether you're singing it at a party or listening to a cover version, Happy Birthday is a timeless classic that will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.