A Popular Song
What is one of the most sung English songs? I'm sure that you've heard it! It's "Happy Birthday to You." It's such a common song that you probably never thought about someone writing it.
Children and presidents have sung it. Astronauts in space have sung it. You can hear the songs in cards, music boxes, and watches.
Patty Smith Hill was born in 1868 in Kentucky. She taught kindergarten in Louisville. In 1893, she wrote "Good Morning to All" as a welcome song to start the school day. Her sister, Mildred Hill, wrote music for the words that Patty wrote. Over time, children began singing the song to their teacher, and it became "Good Morning to You." The same song was sung with new words. The new words were "Happy Birthday to You." Two teachers wrote a simple song. It's a simple song that lives on.
The next time you hear "Happy Birthday" sung in a movie, stay and watch the very end. The end always lists the names of people and songs that were part of the movie. If you watch carefully, it will show that the song was written by Patty Smith Hill and Mildred Hill.
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