[Valin]

Does a royalty get paid for the singing of Happy birthday? (assuming its copyright is still in force)

I believe it's in public domain now.

[Tench_Coxe]

"Does a royalty get paid for the singing of Happy birthday? (assuming its copyright is still in force) "

Yes. But the weasel wording uses 'commercial' to keep off the lynch mobs of soccer moms.

[Huck]

It may be. I seem to recall it only dates back to the 40s or so, but I forget.