WHO WROTE ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS? (ANSWER MAY SURPRISE YOU)
These days, no matter which holidays you partake in, part of the collective American tradition means listening to “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” However, whether you love it or hate it, do you know who actually wrote it? It seems nobody does. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey is a holiday playlist staple for many. But, there are other artists laying claim to the anthem. The popularization of the track has also made for some interesting remixes both familiar and unfamiliar to the Billboard charts. Yes, the Songbird Supreme lays claim to the track, but discover the truth below. Suggested read: Veteran’s Christmas: Making a Difference During the Holidays
Who Wrote the Original All I Want for Christmas Is You?
The original "All I Want for Christmas Is You" was released by Mariah Carey in 1994. It was a part of her Merry Christmas album, which was her first holiday album. However, it was also her fourth studio album in the midst of a legendary career. It was written with the help of Walter Afanasieff. If only it were that simple… You see, these days, there are many different covers from the likes of artist such as Kelly Clarkson and even a collab that sees Carey team up with pop star icon Justin Bieber. But before it was a song spreading joy and jeers, depending on where you stand, there are some artists who believe they have a claim to the work. Carey may be the Queen of Christmas, but there have been multiple lawsuits over her hit holiday song. Now, Carey is again facing legal action from Andy Stone. He is suing over what he believes to be stolen work from a track of the same name he wrote years prior. Related read: These 8 Christmas War Movies Are Perfect for the Holidays
‘Tis the Season to File Lawsuits
So, who wrote the song "All I Want For Christmas Is You?" Andy Stone and Troy Powers are claiming that in 1989 (not Taylor’s version, but rather the actual year) the duo wrote a song called “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” This is why Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff, Sony Music, and Universal Music Group are in a $20 million+ lawsuit. This isn’t the first time Stone has filed a lawsuit against Carey based on the belief that the songs both have the same hook and melody. He also did so in 2022, starting what is becoming an odd holiday tradition. The duo believe that at least half of the song is their songwriting. Consequently, they are seeking a sizeable amount of compensation. Then again, the track is wildly popular. Furthermore, there isn't any reason to believe it won’t be in the future. Composing songs always runs the risk, intentionally or not, of copying. However, Stone is even alleging that in 1994, his band Vince Vance and the Valiants would perform it at the White House. The track continues to be a pretty popular tune for the New Orleans-based country-pop outfit. What becomes of the lawsuit is yet to be seen. In the meantime, Stone and Powers seek a jury trial to make their case. In the meantime, we’re wondering which came first. Regardless, both are hits in their own right. However, it’s clear that Mariah Carey’s track took things to new heights.
All I Want for Christmas Is You Like You’ve Never Heard It Before
Have you ever heard something so surreal, so cringe, so difficult to describe, and yet there is a bit of familiar charm? All of that and more is what happened when the brainchild of Tumblr user formeldehary made his own version of the Mariah Carey Christmas classic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhwfdC9Zqyk Converting the song using a MIDI, and then converting it into an mp3, would create an absolutely cursed version of the song. It sounds like nothing you’d ever want to hear but something you’ll always come back to for more. In theory, the vocals of Mariah Carey shouldn’t be heard in the MIDI version of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Yet, they somehow shine through. Is this a testament to her greatness, or an unholy experiment defying what music should be? Click the video above, and decide for yourself. Read next: Get Your Disney Military Discount and Create Magic in 2024