|
In a complaint filed in New Orleans federal
court, Andy Stone is seeking at least $20 million in damages
from Carey, her co-writer and Sony Music Entertainment for
copyright infringement and misappropriation, among other claims.
Stone, who performs as Vince Vance with the country-pop band
Vince Vance & the Valiants, accused the defendants of having
illegally exploited his "popularity and unique style" and caused
confusion by recording the newer song without his permission.
Carey's and Stone's songs have different lyrics and melodies.
Spokespeople for Carey and Sony Music did not immediately
respond to requests for comment.
Carey's song appeared on her album "Merry Christmas," and has
long received widespread play on radio and in retail shopping
environments during the holiday season.
It has also topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart every year since
2019, despite having been recorded a quarter century earlier.
"All I Want for Christmas Is You" was Carey's 19th No. 1 song,
one fewer than the Beatles.
Stone said his own song had received "extensive airplay" during
the 1993 Christmas season, and also appeared on Billboard
charts.
It wasn't clear from the complaint when Stone first learned
about Carey's song.
The complaint said Stone's lawyers first contacted the
defendants in April 2021 about their alleged unauthorized use,
but were "unable to come to any agreement."
Stone's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for
additional comment.
The case is Stone v Carey et al, U.S. District Court, Eastern
District of Louisiana, No. 22-01616.
(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Cynthia
Osterman)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
