The ‘Most Recognized Song in the English Language’ Was Written in Kentucky
It's a song nearly everyone has heard. Honestly, it's a song that nearly everyone in the world has had sung to them multiple times. It's been translated to nearly two dozen different languages, likely even more. This particular song dates all the way back to 1912. Since that time, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, it has become the most recognized song in the English language. The song? Happy Birthday! Did you know that it was written here in Kentucky?
The melody of the song was the creation of a pair of Louisville, Kentucky sisters. Patty Hill taught kindergarten. Her sister, Mildred, was a gifted piano player and composer. Together, they wrote a song called "Good Morning to All." It was a song that Patty (and other teachers, for that matter) could use in the classroom. Today, I sometimes sing it to folks who call into my morning radio show. Of course, I change the word "all" to "you."
According to historical records, the sisters published their song, way back in 1893, in a songbook called Song Stories for the Kindergarten.
Nearly twenty years later, it morphed into "Happy Birthday to You!"
Over the years, the song has been subject to a variety of copyright claims. Today, all those claims are frivolous. "Happy Birthday to You" is now considered public domain in the United States and in Europe.
Though the song is incredibly easy to sing, there have been some legendary performances of it. Arguably THE most iconic version of "Happy Birthday to You" was performed by legendary actress Marilyn Monroe, who sang the song to President John F. Kennedy. That performance dates back to 1962, but it is still routinely impersonated today.
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Gallery Credit: Stacey Marcus
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