The greatest time of the year is Christmas, especially if you are an artist. A Christmas number 1 can mean year after year your song is played and the royalties can be immense.
Mariah Carey - "All I Want For Christmas Is You" peaked at number 2 when it was released. it was pipped by East 17 - "Stay Another Day". But finally it reaches Number 1 on the Official UK Singles Chart 26 years after its release this year. This year it also broke another record by being in the top 40 for 70 weeks which is more than any other song in chart history.
But how much does Mariah earn every year from this hit?
the answer is £380,000 per year. Not bad considering it took Mariah Carey 15 minutes to co-write.
However, as much as it is one of the most popular tracks at Christmas time. It doesn't take the top spot. it sits 4th in terms of royalties.
In top spot is Slade - "Merry Xmas Everybody" taking a massive £520,000 a year.
Noddy Holder (Lead Singer) said "it's definitely a pension plan, yes. it was never designed to be that way but it has taken a life of its own".
So who next ? You may be surprised. Its Wham with "Last Christmas" with £480,000 per year.
The lead singer George Michael died on Christmas Day 2016 and on its release in 1984 also only reached number 2, beaten by Band Aids track "Do They Know It's Christmas?" Now making it the greatest selling single not to make it to the number 1 spot. But the epic jumpers in the video may be the reason for the yearly trend of garish xmas jumpers which we are ever thankful for and raises thousands for charity each year on christmas jumper days.
Next up is a controversial track by The Pogues - "Fairytale Of New York" with a great £400,000 a year.
However this year became headlines because BBC Radio 1 stated they will not play the original version this Christmas, because its audience may be offended by some of the lyrics. Again this track only reached number 2 in 1987 beaten surprisingly by Pet Shop Boys' cover of "Always on My Mind".
Now we reach Mariah in the 4th spot. Followed by Bing Crosby - "White Christmas" with a whopping £335,000 a year.
This was recorded in 1942 for the film "Holiday Inn" a classic film repeated each year for the festive period.
Now we come to Sir Paul McCartney's "Wonderful ChristmasTime" royalties reaching £310,000 per year.
Released in 1979 Sir Paul wrote, performed and produced the song including the instruments, meaning he receives maximum royalties.
Wizzard is next on the list with "I Wish it Could Be Christmas Every Day" dropping down to £180,000 per year.
Released in 1973 Roy Wood still performs the track today. Again he wrote and produced the track which makes it to the top 40 nearly every year still.
The next few hits and their tracks include:
Lewie - "Stop The Cavalry" with £120,000 per year, released in 1980.
East 17 - "Stay Another Day" with £105,000 per year, released in 1994.
Cliff Richard - "Mistletoe and Wine" with £102,000 per year, released in 1988.
So as you can see clinching the number 1 spot for christmas can mean some big paychecks every year and a tidy little pension fund. But not reaching number 1 doesn't mean you will not make a festive classic and still earn a fortune each year.
As of my last update in January 2022, Ladbaby, a British YouTuber couple consisting of Mark and Roxanne Hoyle, had achieved three consecutive Christmas number one singles in the UK charts. These singles were:
"We Built This City... on Sausage Rolls" in 2018
"I Love Sausage Rolls" in 2019
"Don't Stop Me Eatin'" in 2020
The proceeds from these singles were donated to charity, specifically to the Trussell Trust, a UK-based charity fighting hunger and poverty. The exact amount earned from these singles for charity wasn't always publicly disclosed in detail, but it's known that they raised substantial sums for the Trussell Trust and brought significant awareness to the issue of food poverty in the UK.
While the allure of Christmas number ones and the financial success they bring is undeniable, there's another realm where music holds profound significance – weddings. Just as Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" resonates with festive joy, a skilled wedding DJ like Samuel Hann can transform your special day into a harmonious symphony of love and celebration.
Hiring a professional DJ isn't just about playing music; it's about curating an experience that reflects the essence of your relationship. Much like the iconic tunes that define the holiday season, Samuel Hann, an Essex wedding DJ, understands the importance of crafting a playlist that tells your unique love story. With his expertise in reading the crowd and creating seamless transitions, he ensures that every moment, from the ceremony to the reception, is infused with melody and magic.
As you dance the night away with your loved ones, Samuel Hann's infectious energy and personalized approach elevate the ambiance, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend. Whether it's a sentimental ballad for your first dance or an upbeat track to get everyone on their feet, his dedication to exceeding expectations shines through in every song selection.
So, as you plan the details of your wedding day, consider the invaluable role that a professional DJ plays in setting the tone for your celebration. With Samuel Hann, the Essex wedding DJ, behind the turntables, you can rest assured that your special day will be filled with unforgettable moments and timeless melodies.
Ready to elevate your wedding experience? Visit DJ Samuel Hann's website to learn more about his services and how he can help bring your musical vision to life.