The history of Happy Birthday
1893
A happy melody is born
Sisters Mildred and Patty Hill compose ‘Good Morning To All’ to sing to their pupils every day. The lyrics go: “Good morning to you, Good morning to you, Good morning, dear children, Good morning to all”.
1911
Birthday lyrics sneak in
The word ‘birthday’ starts to sneak its way into versions of the tune – perfect for singing at parties.
1924
Happy Birthday appears in print
The ‘Happy Birthday’ lyrics are published next to the melody for the first time.
1931
The song hits screen and stage
It doesn’t take long for the song to appear in films and on radio airwaves – entirely without royalties. In 1931 Happy Birthday appears in the Broadway musical The Band Wagon.
1934
Copyright secured
After more appearances in the public domain the third Hill sister, Jessica, takes a stand and secures the copyright of Happy Birthday, thanks to its similarities to Good Morning To All.
1935
Party song profits
The first copyrighted version of Happy Birthday is published by Clayton F. Summy Company. The Hills have rights over the song if it is sung for profit until 1991 (this is later extended until 2030).
1962
Marilyn serenades the President
Marilyn Monroe tweaks the lyrics to sing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” for President John F. Kennedy at a celebration of his forty-fifth birthday. It has since become one of the most famous renditions of the song.
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