The Financial Implications of A Christmas Smash

Internet estimators wager that Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” generates roughly $2-4 million every year. Yearly streams and radio play make up the bulk of this yearly gift from Santa Claus. 30 years after song first debuted, Mariah Carey is still making a yearly fortune on the song.

Even lesser known hits are cash cows. According to NME, Slade’s Merry Xmas Everybody (1973) generates $600,000 per year and Wham’s “Last Christmas” pulls in over $500000 per year. When you’re flipping through the radio, walking through the grocery store, or just examining the front page of Spotify you can practically hear the sound of the cash register opening up for the songwriters behind these songs. 

This is why every year I encourage young writers to take a big ole swing at Christmas music! If your song enters the zeitgeist your financial future is essentially set in stone. Most songs for Christmas are written earlier in the year with plans made for releases not unlike a standard album cycle. Artist with successful albums tour during this season on the strength o those songs alone. 

So, if you’re feeling inspired this Holiday Season, dream up some songs about egg nog, Santa Claus, the winter snow, hot chocolate, whatever floats your boat!! Capture that Christmas spirit so you can capture that Christmas cash. 

And if you’re celebrating today, Merry Christmas!