Since its release in 2013, Happy has been Pharrell Williams’ calling card. Pop theorists would probably speak of a cultural phenomenon. Others call it an outrageous catchy tune. ROLLING STONE has compiled some facts about the song.
► Pharrell Williams recorded “Happy” in a single take without any editing or corrections.
► The clip for “Happy” features people dancing around Los Angeles and was shot in a single take, analogous to how it was shot. The video became an internet sensation and was re-enacted by millions of people – even before TikTok!
► The song’s original title was “Because I’m Happy,” but Pharrell Williams eventually shortened it to “Happy.”
► Although the song was used in the film Despicable Me 2, it was originally written for the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
► “Happy” was initially released on the score for “I, Simply Despicable 2” before making it big as a single.
► “Happy” was not originally intended to be released as a single in Japan, but after a radio DJ played the song on the radio, it quickly became a mega hit.
► Pharrell Williams originally wrote “Happy” for singer CeeLo Green, but after he was unable to record the song due to a scheduling conflict, Williams spontaneously decided to sing it himself.
► Since its release, “Happy” has been covered by a number of musicians and bands, including Pentatonix, and Walk off the Earth. Even a chorus of inmates from a Philippine prison belted out the hit.
► Pharrell Williams wore a hat designed by Vivienne Westwood in the “Happy” music video. The piece immediately became a trend accessory – and the subject of numerous parodies.
► Actually, Pharrell Williams had planned to record “Happy” as a duet between himself and a singer. Ultimately, however, it remained with the solo singing.
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