HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG REGISTRATION
However, in 2015, it was established in the court that the registration only covered a specific piano version instead of the melody and lyrics. When Warner/Chappell procured the rights from Summy in 1988, they claimed to hold the copyright until 2030. Yet, as the court concluded, the copyrights involved only the melody, not the lyrics. Eventually, she was able to establish legal copyright for her sisters with regard to the song with the help of Clayton F. Mildred and Patty's sister, Jessica Hill voiced her claims for the use of the "Good Morning to You" melody in Happy Birthday to You.
Following its immense popularity, it appeared in the Broadway show Band Wagon, in 1931, and after a couple of years became a "singing telegram" for Western Union. Gradually, the “Happy Birthday” song started to overshadow its earlier version. Coleman edited it and this was produced as an alternative to the original “Good Morning to You”.
In 1924, “Good Morning to All”, along with its alternative verse was published in a book. Consequently, the song got morphed into “Good Morning to You”. Thus, the word "children" popularly got replaced by "teacher".
After its publication, the trend got changed when children started to sing this as a welcoming song for their teachers. Initially, it was meant to be sung by the teacher to the class each morning. Later on, it was published in Song Stories for the Kindergarten in 1893. While teaching at the Louisville Experimental Kindergarten School, Mildred composed the melody and Patty developed the lyrics. The melody used in this song dates back to late 19th century, and it was utilized for the song "Good Morning to All".Īlthough there is controversy regarding its origin, it is generally attributed to two sisters - Patty and Mildred J. Traditionally, it is sung for the birthday person by the other guests celebrating the occasion. Being translated into at least 18 languages, it has been popularized all over the world. "Happy Birthday to You," according to Guinness World Records, is considered as the most popular song in the English language. "Happy Birthday (to You)": The Charm of Birthday Celebrations