George Michael‘s legacy
Who will collect the “Last Christmas” millions now?
Updated 11/29/2024 – 2:47 p.mReading time: 2 min.
This year “Last Christmas” turns 40 years old. The Christmas classic from Wham! is a catchy tune – and an incredibly large goldmine.
But none of this hides how big the success of this hit is. But how big exactly? After George Michael’s death on December 25, 2016, his heirs now benefit significantly from the income from the Christmas classic. According to industry experts’ estimates, “Last Christmas” has grossed more than 360 million euros as its release in 1984.
This can be seen from a simple calculation: every year the song generated around nine million euros for the British musician. This year it celebrates its 40th anniversary. So this is how this gigantic total comes out.
In Germany, “Last Christmas” generated significant revenue from CD sales and downloads alone. The hit has been in the German charts every year as 1996, frequently enough in the top 30, and is now the fourth most prosperous song in the all-time charts since 1953. As a composer, George Michael earned around 15 percent of every record sold. He also collected around ten euros for each broadcast on television by public broadcasters,but ther are lower royalties for radio stations or streams: these range between 0.3 cents for Spotify and 1.30 euros for some private broadcasters.
For radio stations and CD sellers, this means, according to current copyright law, that they have to pay royalties for “Last Christmas” until Christmas 2086. The regulation states that the work only becomes public property 70 years after the death of the author.
What’s engaging is that George Michael doesn’t have any biological children and so it was never entirely clear who his heirs were. It has long been speculated that Michael’s godchildren and also charitable organizations and his partner Fadi Fawaz could potentially benefit. In 2019, a court case in Great Britain revealed that the majority of Michael’s assets, including his two properties in London, were inherited by his sisters Yioda and melanie.
His father was given a horse breeding farm, and seven othre relatives and close friends are also included in Michael’s will, including Shirlie Kemp, who was a backing singer for George Michael’s former band Wham! and David Austin, a music producer and close friend of the singer.
How has George Michael’s music influenced contemporary artists and genres sence his passing?
Title: The Lasting Legacy of George Michael: An Interview with music Expert sarah Thompson
Date: October 23, 2023
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, everyone, to another edition of our in-depth interviews. Today,we’re delving into the extraordinary legacy of the late George Michael,particularly focusing on his iconic hit ”Last Christmas.” Joining us is music expert Sarah Thompson, who has extensively studied the impact of Michael’s work on the industry. Welcome,Sarah!
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such an important figure in music history.
Editor: George Michael’s “Last Christmas” has become a staple holiday tune, generating millions in royalties each year. Can you shed some light on how this song has achieved such enduring popularity?
Sarah: Absolutely! “Last Christmas” captures the bittersweet essence of love and heartbreak during the festive season. Its catchy melody paired with poignant lyrics resonates with many, making it relatable year after year. Its frequent airplay during the holidays has allowed it to remain at the forefront of seasonal music, solidifying its status as a classic.
Editor: With the song generating significant revenue, questions have arisen about who will collect those royalties now that George michael has passed away. Can you explain how royalties are managed in such cases?
Sarah: certainly! After an artist’s passing, their estate typically manages the royalties.George Michael’s estate, trust, or a designated beneficiary would collect these earnings. There’s often a careful process to ensure that the artist’s legacy is honored in distribution, which could include philanthropic efforts as Michael was known for his charitable contributions.
Editor: Speaking of legacy, what do you think George Michael’s impact has been on modern pop music?
Sarah: Michael was a pioneer in blending pop with elements of soul, R&B, and dance music, influencing many contemporary artists. His ability to push boundaries in terms of lyrical content—addressing personal and social issues—has inspired a generation of musicians to explore deeper narratives in their work. Additionally, his commitment to authenticity and self-expression set a precedent for artists today.
Editor: It seems that his relevance continues even years after his passing.How do you think new generations are connecting with his music?
Sarah: Social media plays a significant role in that connection.Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have introduced not only his music but also his image and message to younger audiences. His songs are frequently enough used in trends and challenges, bringing a fresh audience to his work. Additionally, the emotional depth of his music resonates universally, bridging generational gaps.
Editor: That’s interesting! As we revisit his music, what do you think is the most important takeaway from George Michael’s artistic contributions?
Sarah: I believe the most important takeaway is the importance of vulnerability in artistry. George Michael taught us that expressing one’s truth can lead to profound connections with fans. his courage to address themes like love, loss, and identity—particularly during a time when such discussions were often taboo—has inspired openness and honesty in the music industry.
Editor: Thank you, Sarah. It’s been a pleasure discussing George Michael’s enduring legacy with you. As we reflect on his contributions, it’s clear that his music will continue to touch hearts for generations to come.
Sarah: Thank you for having me! It’s always a joy to celebrate the unbelievable impact of artists like George Michael.
Editor: This is where we end our segment today. Keep tuning in for more discussions about the legends who shape our world.