V. Let’s Talk
The Origin of the Song “Happy Birthday to You”
The story of the song “Happy Birthday to You” Began as a sweet one, but later became bitter. Two sisters, Mildred Hill, a teacher at a kindergarten, and Dr. Patty Hill, the principal of the same school, wrote a song together for the children, entitled “Good Morning to All”. When Mildred combined her musical talents with her sister’s knowledge in the area of kindergarten education, ‘Good Morning to All” was sure to be a success. The sister published the song in a collection entitled “Song Stories of the Kindergarten” in 1893. Thirty-one years later, after Dr. Patty Hill became the head of the Department of Kindergarten Education at Columbia University’s Teachers College, a gentleman by the name Robert Coleman published the song, without the sisters’ permission. He added a second part, which is the familiar “Happy Birthday to You”. Mr. Coleman’s addition of the second part made the song popular and, finally, the sisters” original first part disappeared. “Happy Birthday to You” had altogether replaced the sisters’ original song “Good Morning to All”. In 1916 Patty took legal action against Mr. Coleman. In court, she succeeded in proving that hey were the real owners of the song.
1. teacher at a kindergarten
2. Good Morning to All
3. Happy Birthday to You
4. Happy Birthday to You Good Morning to All
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