For as long as I can remember, we'd sing this at birthday parties after the traditional Happy Birthday song. Not until I was an adult did I learn that it was written by Stevie Wonder as a petition to the US Government to implement a National Holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It has since become one of my favorite songs with one of my favorite messages.

For the past 10 years of my life, I've sung this song at performances, with students, and I now present to you my attempt at a worthy cover. It's been 3 years in the making. I sincerely hope you enjoy!

Stevie Wonder's Original Recording:
   • Happy Birthday  

Facts from the end of my video:
1) Stevie Wonder released this song in 1981 to help convince the nation to create MLK Day.
2) 6 million people signed a petition, which became the largest in US History.
3) The US House passed a bill with a veto-proof majority, and President Reagan signed it into law in 1983.
4) The holiday was observed for the first time on January 20, 1986.
5) South Carolina began recognizing the holiday in 2000, the last state to do so.