BBC News Reveals: How the 'Happy Birthday' song became a million dollar idea

Here's a fascinating look at the song everyone sings to celebrate a birthday. It all started in Kentucky. This video from BBC News provides an in depth explanation! 

(Photo: sheet music with the original lyrics).

 How the 'Happy Birthday' song became a million dollar idea 

 Every day, millions of people sing "Happy Birthday" in honor of their friends and family. But for almost a century it was protected by copyright. It couldn't be sung in films or on television - or even with waiters in a restaurant - without incurring steep fees. That's until someone called the lawyers' bluff. 

(Photo: Mildred and Patty Hill of Kentucky) 

ORIGIN OF THE SONG:  The 4 line song began its life in 1893. Written by two sisters from Kentucky, Mildred and Patty Hill, it was originally entitled “Good Morning to All,” and intended as a classroom greeting from teachers to students. 

According to PerformingSongwriters.com, Patty Hill was a nursery school and kindergarten teacher (she would later develop “Patty Hill blocks,” a popular toy for children). Her older sister Mildred, who was also a teacher for a time, went on to become a noted composer, organist and music scholar, with a specialty in Negro spirituals. Mildred came up with the melody for “Good Morning to All.” Patty added the words. (for the rest of the history, click here) 

OR check out this BBC News video from Aaron Heslehurst as he tells the story. VIDEO: https://www.bbc.com/news/av/business-49830745