Festive Fortunes: The Timeless Tunes That Turn Every December Into a Musical Cash Sleigh
Written 19th December 2023 | Subscribe to our Christmas newsletter
'Tis the season of giving, and for some lucky musicians, that generosity comes in the form of a festive windfall every December. Christmas songs, those timeless classics that have stood the test of time, continue to fill the pockets of artists with the sweet sound of songwriting royalties.
Hugh Grant's character, Will Freeman, in "About a Boy," might have stumbled upon the secret to a comfortable living – the enduring popularity of yesteryear's holiday hits. Even for artists whose careers may have waned since their initial success (think Jona Lewie, The Waitresses, and more), Christmas remains the gift that keeps on giving.
The revenue stream for these timeless tunes is a multifaceted sleigh ride. It comes not only from Christmas compilations but also from streaming services, physical sales, advertisements, appearances in film and TV, and a plethora of cover versions. George Howard, associate professor of music business and management at Berklee College of Music, notes that while new Christmas songs are released regularly, it's the classics that rake in the big bucks.
"It's no longer about new Christmas songs being released; it's about them being recycled. It's just a firehose of money. The more people who cover these songs, the writers make out like bandits," says Howard.
As the holiday season approaches, we delve into the treasure trove of Christmas classics that continue to fill the coffers of their creators. While Mariah Carey, the self-proclaimed queen of Christmas, merits her own spotlight, let's explore the lucrative world of timeless tunes that transform every December into a season of financial cheer.
Although PRS (The Performing Rights Society), keep the exact figures secret to protect their clients, the following guesstimates were published by The Independent in 2021:
