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You've seen it in dozens of movies (assuming you stay for the credits): "'Happy Birthday To You,' written by Patty Hill and Mildred Hill." But who the heck are they, and how is a song that we've all sung since childhood protected by copyright law? Does it mean that you have to pay to sing it at a friend's birthday bash? No, but royalties are definitely due when it's performed for a large public audience -- which might explain why we're forced to endure those horrible "alternate" birthday ditties at TGI Fridays.
What are the origins of the most popular song in history? The melody was originally written in 1893 by the schoolteacher Hill siblings as a kindergarten greeting titled "Good Morning to All":
Good morning to you,
Good morning to you,
Good morning, dear children,
Good morning to all.
Today's "Happy Birthday" lyrics made their first public appearance in a 1924 songbook by Robert Coleman. Advances in radio and movies meant that the song spread quickly through popular entertainment -- but without credit to the Hill sisters. In 1934, a third sister, Jessica Hill, finally won a case to secure the copyright for the family.
Currently, Warner Chappell Music owns the copyright, which brings in a cool $2 million in royalties every year, and holds the Guinness world record as the most popular English-language song ever. If only the ladies were alive today to enjoy their success, we could sing their song right back to them. Of course, they'd be over 140, but it's the thought that counts.
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Directory categories:
Music Copyrights, Birthdays, Birthday eCards |
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Archived under: Birthdays, Entertainment, Legal Cases, Marilyn Monroe, Music, Music History, Songs, The Beatles |
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