A person named Andy Stone has sensationally sued singer Mariah Carey for a whopping $20m, 28 years after she released her successful number All I Want for Christmas Is You. Stone has accused Carey of copyright infringement by allegedly stealing the title of his own single released in the past.
Stone has filed a lawsuit in a court in Louisiana against Carey and her co-writer Walter Afanasieff, demanding to be paid $20m in damages.
Who is Andy Stone?
Andy Stone is a little-known musician/songwriter, who performs under the name of Vince Vance. Stone is also the lead of the band Vince Vance and the Valiants. He was responsible for his song All I Want for Christmas is You, released in 1989.
Stone has now sued Carey and Afanasieff accusing them of a copyright violation by illegally lifting the title of his song. Stone has accused Carey of infringing his copyright ‘knowingly, willfully, and intentionally.’
All I Want for Christmas is You is the most successful song for Carey and it dominated the charts in many countries around the world. The song often featured prominently during the festival of Christmas. In 2003, it also featured in the Christmas-themed romantic comedy film Love Actually’ starring Keira Knightley and Hugh Grant among others.
Andy Stone’s version of the song
Critics say that there is nothing common between the music and lyrics of Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You and the one released by Stone in 1989. In fact, music critic Joel Whitburn previously wrote that Stone’s version of All I Want for Christmas is You itself was based on the melody from another song, Bobby Vinton’s My Heart Only Belongs To You.
According to a report by news agency AFP, Carey’s version of All I Want for Christmas is You sold an estimated 16 million copies worldwide and made nearly $60 million in royalties over the last three decades.
According to the United States Copyright Office, there are as many as 177 songs by the name All I Want for Christmas is You in its record. The first time someone registered this title was way back in 1963. That individual was named AC Williams.
Mariah Carey’s version of the song
Carey’s publicist has not reacted to the lawsuit filed by Stone. The development comes after a high-profile defamation case by Hollywood actor Johnny Depp against his ex-wife gripped the world. Depp was awarded $15m in compensation.