In a criticism filed in New Orleans federal courtroom, Andy Stone is looking for not less than $20 million in damages from Carey, her co-writer and Sony Music Leisure for copyright infringement and misappropriation, amongst different claims.
Stone, who performs as Vince Vance with the country-pop band Vince Vance & the Valiants, accused the defendants of getting illegally exploited his “recognition and distinctive fashion” and brought on confusion by recording the newer track with out his permission.
Carey’s and Stone’s songs have totally different lyrics and melodies.
Spokespeople for Carey and Sony Music didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.
Carey’s track appeared on her album “Merry Christmas,” and has lengthy obtained widespread play on radio and in retail buying environments in the course of the vacation season.
It has additionally topped the Billboard Scorching 100 chart yearly since 2019, regardless of having been recorded 1 / 4 century earlier. “All I Need for Christmas Is You” was Carey’s nineteenth No. 1 track, one fewer than the Beatles.
Stone stated his personal track had obtained “intensive airplay” in the course of the 1993 Christmas season, and in addition appeared on Billboard charts.
It wasn’t clear from the criticism when Stone first realized about Carey’s track.
The criticism stated Stone’s attorneys first contacted the defendants in April 2021 about their alleged unauthorized use, however had been “unable to return to any settlement.”
Stone’s attorneys didn’t instantly reply to requests for added remark.