So there was just a big court decision - Happy Birthday can no long be a copyrighted song.  The most recognized song in the English language is now public domain!

ReelWorld, an audio and music company that makes many of our radio stations' jingles and sound effects (you know, the stuff you hear in between our songs), has taken Happy Birthday to a new level. They've created a song generator that makes a customized Happy Birthday recording with your name that you can instantly download and share with friends. And yes, it's royalty free and completely legal for the moment!





Click here to create your own custom Happy Birthday song.








Here's a little more on this big copyright decision. According to Wikipedia:

The melody of "Happy Birthday to You" comes from the song "Good Morning to All", which has been attributed to American siblings Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill in 1893, although the claim that the sisters composed the tune is disputed. (Wikipedia)

Music publisher Warner/Chappell has claimed to hold the copyright for the song since 1988 and has collected millions of dollars in royalties for its use.  On Tuesday, September 24, 2015, Judge George H. King of United States District Court in Los Angeles ruled that Warner's claim is not valid.

Although there will be plenty of legal wrangling before this is official, some enterprising folks are already calling this a victory.  There's the possibility that Warner/Chappell will have to pay people back for the unnecessary licensing fees they were charged.  Well, it's also a victory for anyone who can't stand those "fake" happy birthday songs they sing at chain restaurants.






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