You probably sing the song "Happy Birthday To You" several times a year in your home, but you don't hear it much in restaurants or movies because it's under copyright. The song's origin are not exactly clear, but it was copyrighted in 1935. Through a series of purchases, the rights are now owned by Time Warner, a company which had nothing to do with creating the song.
The song "Happy Birthday To You" is the most recognizable song in the English language, but it can cost independent filmmakers an estimated $10,000 to clear the song for their films, and it will remain under copyright protection in the United States until 2030. This is a major stumbling block hindering the creation of new works of art. It's time to shake (or at least unsettle) “Happy Birthday” from it’s fortified cultural throne, and replace it with a melody that the children can sing without fear of being served.
The Free Music Archive is running a contest for a new birthday song (or two) that can replace it. You can enter a song through January 13th, or listen to other entries. Link -via Laughing Squid
(Image credit: Greg Harrison)