The "Happy Birthday to You" song, often simply referred to as "Happy Birthday," is arguably one of the most recognizable songs globally. It was originally composed by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, in the late 19th century. Initially, the melody was used for a song titled "Good Morning to All," intended to be sung by students before starting their day. However, over time, the tune was adapted with new lyrics, giving birth to the "Happy Birthday to You" that we know today.
The Hill sisters' contribution to this universal celebration song is immense, but there's more complexity to the song's history, particularly regarding its copyright. The sisters were credited with its creation, and for many years, the song's rights were owned by Summy Company, which was later acquired by Warner Chappell Music. It was a common belief that the song was under copyright until 1988; however, this understanding was due to a series of complex legal battles and misunderstandings about the original registration and the specific aspects that were copyrighted.
The real turning point came in 2016, when a legal case determined that the copyright claims held by Warner Chappell Music were invalid, leading to the song entering the public domain. This means that "Happy Birthday to You" can now be performed publicly and used commercially without needing to pay for the rights to the song, a significant shift from when royalties were estimated to be charging up to $2 million annually.
This song’s journey from a simple classroom greeting to a staple in birthday celebrations worldwide illustrates not only the power of music to connect people but also the complexities of copyright law and its impact on our cultural traditions. The shift to public domain status has only increased the song's ubiquity, solidifying its place at birthday parties everywhere, free from legal encumbrances.
