Ronald Norman Gould, born in Chicago on October 5, 1932, was the only son of Sue and Harry, living with his mother and two sisters after his parents’ divorce.
Despite the family’s poverty and reliance on relief, Gould’s father, who rarely visited, introduced him to Al Jolson’s music, which became a significant influence. After his father’s death, his mother remarried, and Gould took his stepfather’s surname, Miller, which he would use throughout his career as a songwriter and producer.
Miller’s musical journey began at nine, with World War II’s onset, when he started writing songs, though he couldn’t play piano or read music. His self-taught musical education began at twenty-four, inspired by great American songwriters like Richard Rodgers. He taught himself to play piano by ear, which initially took hours to play his own compositions.
Miller’s big break came at the Patio Lounge in Chicago, where he entertained patrons with humorous songs. One night in 1963, Motown founder Berry Gordy was the only patron. Impressed by Miller’s talent, Gordy offered him $5,000 to bring his songs to Detroit. Despite initial hesitation, Miller accepted and soon became friends with Stevie Wonder, writing hits for him, including “A Place In The Sun” and “For Once in My Life.”
Miller’s success continued with other artists, and he collaborated with Michael Masser to write “Touch Me In The Morning” for Diana Ross, a number one hit in America. His song “I’ve Never Been to Me,” cowritten with Ken Hirsch, became a massive hit after its rerelease in 1982, topping charts worldwide.
Throughout his career, Miller wrote numerous successful songs, including “Can’t We Try” for Teddy Pendergrass and “You Moved A Mountain” for Jermaine Jackson. He also wrote for musicals and co-wrote “Put Me On” for Mario and “If I Could” for Celine Dion, which was covered by many artists, including his daughter Lisa Dawn Miller.
Sadly, Miller passed away on July 23, 2007, in Los Angeles, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that includes hits like “It’s Easier Said Than Done,” “He’s a Lover,” “Handful of Memories,” “After the Laughter,” “Where Have All the Kisses Gone,” and “Whoa Whoa Baby Take It Slow,” all co-written with Lee Porter.
Miller’s career spanned five decades, making him one of the great songwriters of his generation.
