Pop & Parlour Songs / Lyricist's Datebook: March 27
Today, March 27, we celebrate the birthday of Patty Smith Hill, the woman who wrote the original lyrics of "Happy Birthday to You."
Patty
was born in Anchorage, Kentucky, the sister of Mildred J. Hill
with whom she is credited as co-writer of the tune to the song initially entitled "Good
Morning to All" as a song that young children would find easy to sing. During the 20th century, it became more popular as "Happy Birthday to You."
Patty and her sister Mildred wrote the song (Mildred wrote the tune; Patty wrote the original lyrics) while Mildred was a pianist and composer of songs and Patty was principal at the Louisville Experimental Kindergarten School. This kindergarten was an early experiment in modern educational methods, and was honored, along with the Hill sisters, at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.
"Happy Birthday to You"
Today, March 27, we celebrate the birthday of Patty Smith Hill, the woman who wrote the original lyrics of "Happy Birthday to You."
Patty
was born in Anchorage, Kentucky, the sister of Mildred J. Hill
with whom she is credited as co-writer of the tune to the song initially entitled "Good
Morning to All" as a song that young children would find easy to sing. During the 20th century, it became more popular as "Happy Birthday to You."Patty and her sister Mildred wrote the song (Mildred wrote the tune; Patty wrote the original lyrics) while Mildred was a pianist and composer of songs and Patty was principal at the Louisville Experimental Kindergarten School. This kindergarten was an early experiment in modern educational methods, and was honored, along with the Hill sisters, at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.