Songs

The “Happy Birthday” Song is Officially in the Public Domain

Sing without fear of being sued

The execution of pirates in Hamburg, 1573

Execution Ballads Once Spread the News of Punishment to the Public

The grisly tunes deliberately pull on emotions to discourage crime

"Happy Birthday to You" Could Soon Have Its Day in the Public Domain

One of the most popular songs in the world could soon be free to sing

Ronnie Wood (far left) has taken on the role in Rolling Stones originally filled by Brian Jones.

Is a Band Without Its Original Members Still the Same Band?

What gives a musical group its identity? Is it the name on the poster or the people on the stage?

Java sparrows are both vocalists and percussionists.

These Sparrows Sing to the Beat of Their Own Drum

Java sparrows amp up their tunes with acoustic beak taps synchronized with chirps

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Scientifically Accurate 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' Is Still Charming

Stars aren't diamonds at all—they're giant balls of gas

Irving Berlin and wife Ellen MacKay

"White Christmas" Is Actually the Saddest Christmas Song

The season would have reminded composer Irving Berlin of his young son who died Christmas Day in 1928

Rosanne Cash on Discovering New Artistic Terrain

The singer-songwriter looked to her Southern ancestors to come up with a different kind of concept album

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Torch Song

Ode to an ancient summer rite, excesses and all

Northworth and Von Tilzer's song was recorded some 100 times by artists such as Frank Sinatra and today's Dr. John.

Baseball’s Anthem for All Ages

In 1908, an improbable pair of music men hit a tuneful home run without ever having seen a game

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