Bill Rogers - Posted - 08/01/2025:  12:55:04

I indulged myself with this one--because it really is my birthday--Aug. 1, back in 1944. So our TOTW is the most-widely known song in the English language -- "Happy Birthday." Not a tune well-suited to 5-string styles, especially clawhammer, but it works ok finger style. Rather than grab excerpts from Wikipedia, which is what I would have done, here's a link to the "Happy Birthday" entry if you want to dig into the history of the song.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Bi...ay_to_You

Below are links to several YouTube videos of "Happy Birthday," mostly "how to play" entries, including  two from Casey Henry:

youtube.com/watch?v=FK3UPNNKqe...t_radio=1

youtube.com/watch?v=8aKaIoQEN1c

youtube.com/watch?v=EJ9n4RZlR-...t_radio=1

youtube.com/watch?v=Hu_FP73g2ss

youtube.com/watch?v=X2QSl-ZKSNQ

youtube.com/watch?v=Yl5BkuBj4UU

dbrooks - Posted - 08/01/2025:  13:29:20

Though Wikipedia says the authorship for "Happy Birthday" is disputed, there is no doubt here in Louisville that the Hill sisters are the true authors of the melody and led the kids singing each morning in their kindergarten.

David

Jack Baker - Posted - 08/01/2025:  13:57:16

Hi David,

As I said in the notes in the Newest Tab Archive, I arranged this Classic tune for guitar many years ago. It is rumored that Mozart had written the original melody according to many Music Schools and Universities, so I just arranged what he may have done with this fun tune....Jack



Happy Birthday

Edited by - Jack Baker on 08/01/2025 14:05:17

dbrooks - Posted - 08/01/2025:  14:03:48

Jack,

Maybe Amadeus went to the Hill's kindergarten??  

David

Jack Baker - Posted - 08/01/2025:  14:06:28

Ha!
Totally possible. I have also heard your take on it so it may always remain a mystery song?...Jack

Texasbanjo - Posted - 08/01/2025:  14:12:42

I hope you have a very happy birthday, Bill!

RG - Posted - 08/01/2025:  15:20:24

Happy birthday Bill!

Jack Baker - Posted - 08/01/2025:  17:59:51

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jack Baker

Hi David,

As I said in the notes in the Newest Tab Archive, I arranged this Classic tune for guitar many years ago. It is rumored that Mozart had written the original melody according to many Music Schools and Universities, so I just arranged what he may have done with this fun tune....Jack   p.s. I've added a Clawhammer version too...



Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday OT Banjo

---

JanetB - Posted - 08/01/2025:  18:40:44

Hopefully you've had a special day today, Bill.  My arrangement is dedicated to you, with a special Rough & Ready Fruit Jar Pickers tag you may or may not know.  It's meant for us oldies, with a smile. :)

Happy Birthday+, Bill Rogers (TOTW)

Happy Birthday + (CH) tab

Noah Cline - Posted - 08/01/2025:  19:26:42

Happy Birthday, Bill! 

Bill Rogers - Posted - 08/01/2025:  21:17:42

That was great, Janet. Thank you! … and thanks to all for your greetings.

@JanetB

raybob - Posted - 08/01/2025:  21:22:00

Happy Birthday Bill!