Description
The 2026 USPS Happy Birthday Forever stamp celebrates the world's most recognized song. Sung at kitchen tables, stadiums, and even in space – but for decades, singing it in public could cost a fortune.
The Story Behind the Song
In 1893, Kentucky sisters Patty and Mildred Hill wrote 'Good Morning to All' for their kindergarten class – just six simple notes. The birthday lyrics appeared mysteriously in print around 1912, with no author credited. The song spread globally, becoming the first singing telegram in 1933.
For years, Warner Music collected millions in licensing fees. Then in 2013, a 1922 songbook with no copyright notice changed everything. A federal judge ruled the 1935 copyright invalid – the song belonged to everyone. Today, it's finally public domain.
2026 Stamp Design
This commemorative stamp features a colorful birthday cake design by artist Lisa Congdon – the fifth USPS birthday stamp since 1987. Issued April 18, 2026.
5 sheets of 20 First-Class Mail Forever stamps (100 stamps total). *The slash over “Forever” in the image is to protect it from being used to produce counterfeit postage. Actual stamps will not have this.
