LOS ANGELES, CA (Top40 Charts) In 1970, legendary Motown songwriter Ron Miller penned the song, "Heaven Help Us All," becoming one of Stevie Wonder's first major hits. With its gospel-infused sound and poignant, timeless lyric, the song has been covered by multiple major label artists, including Joan Baez and Richie Sambora. The last song ever recorded by
Ray Charles for his album, Genius Loves Company, Charles won multiple Grammy Awards (posthumously) for his version in 2004.
Now, Miller's grandson, 14-year-old singer and multi-talented performer
Oliver Richman (www.oliverrichman.com), releases a new recording and music video for a new generation. Producer Lisa Dawn Miller said, "Originally, my writing/producing partner, Mark Matson, and I produced the record for Sony/ATV
Music Publishing in trying to reimagine my father's song catalogue for film and television synch. We wanted to give the song more of an edge with a rock vibe, and yet, have a young, soulful voice to represent a new generation. We loved Oliver's version so much, we decided to release it as a single. I know my dad is smiling from heaven, very proud of his grandson."
Richman was personally invited by
Stevie Wonder to sing "One
Little Christmas Tree" at the Nokia Theatre where he received a standing ovation from over 7,500 people. The song was written by Miller and originally recorded by Wonder in 1967 for his one and only Christmas album, "Someday at Christmas" (also written by Miller).
Ron Miller's other hits include, "For Once In My Life," (which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this month), "Touch Me In The Morning," "Place In the Sun," "Yester-me, Yester-you, Yesterday," "Heaven Help Us All," "I've Never Been to Me," "Someday at Christmas" and "If I Could."
Richman's mother and Ron Miller's daughter, Lisa Dawn Miller, is a singer/songwriter/producer who is set to release a new CD in Fall 2015.
She produces the hit show, "Sandy Hackett's
Rat Pack Show," which is currently on its 6th Broadway Season national tour.
