Jona Lewie stands among Mariah Carey, Slade, and Wham! as a notable figure in the realm of classic Christmas anthems. His enduring hit, “Stop The Cavalry,” continues to resonate with audiences, despite its release 45 years ago.
The 78-year-old star, now residing in London with his partner, shared that the song’s immense success, especially during the holiday season, took him by surprise. Originally not crafted as a Christmas tune, the timing of its release coincided with the tragic passing of John Lennon.
Although initially not intended as a festive track, “Stop The Cavalry” found its way into the holiday music rotation due to a line mentioning Christmas. Jona revealed his initial struggle to move past the song’s overwhelming success in the ’80s and ’90s, despite its massive sales figures.
Despite his initial frustrations, the song continues to be a financial boon for Jona, earning an estimated £120,000 in royalties annually. Notably, the track’s inclusion in the Morrisons Christmas advert this year could potentially boost its earnings even further.
Jona disclosed that “Stop The Cavalry” contributes significantly to his income, being responsible for about half of his earnings. His involvement in all aspects of the song’s creation grants him full control over the publishing and recording royalties, emphasizing the enduring value of a Christmas-associated track.
Reflecting on his musical journey, Jona recalled a pivotal moment when his career was on the line before “You’ll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties” revitalized his standing in the industry. The song’s success marked a resurgence for Jona, reaffirming his place in the music scene after an extended hiatus.