A Grandfather’s Song at Christmas Time

The stores are full of decorations. The commercials on TV have Christmas music themes. You’re starting to think about starting your holiday shopping (at least thinking…).

Now, you can get in the spirit with a special song, written by the legendary Motown songwriter Ron Miller and being performed by his grandson, singing sensation Oliver Richman. A true family effort for this wonderful holiday song.

The video of Oliver singing his grandfather’s song “One Little Christmas Tree” (originally performed by Stevie Wonder) was released on YouTube just yesterday. About 3 minutes in, you will see some fantastic clips of soldiers returning home, presumably in time for the holidays. The link is below.

Even at the young age of 10 years old, Oliver has been entertaining audiences for several years with his powerful voice, energetic stage presence and diverse dancing and acting strengths.

Although it is Oliver’s first recording of one of his grandfather’s songs, it’s not the first time a young sensation has recorded one of Miller’s holiday tunes.

Justin Bieber sang Miller’s hit “Someday at Christmas” which was also originally recorded by Wonder. He was even invited to the White House to sing it for President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Miller is best known for such hits as “For Once In My Life,” “Touch Me In The Morning,” and “A Place In the Sun,” “Heaven Help Us All,” “Yester-me, Yester-you, Yesterday,” “I’ve Never Been To Me” and “If I Could.”  His songs have sold millions and have been recorded by top artists including Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Michael Bublé and Harry Connick, Jr.  

Miller passed in July 2007. Later that year, he was posthumously awarded the Heroes and Legends Lifetime Achievement Award in Songwriting later that year.

Miller’s daughter and Oliver’s mother, Lisa Dawn Miller, is a successful singer, writer and producer. Oliver’s stepfather, Sandy Hackett (son of legendary comedian Buddy Hackett) is a well-known comedian, actor, writer and producer. Sandy and Lisa are the producers of “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show,” currently running fulltime on the Las Vegas Strip at the Riviera Hotel & Casino and in theaters across the country.  

Oliver will be guest appearing as “Young Frank Sinatra” in Lisa and Sandy’s show as well as doing several appearances to promote his new song in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.  Learn more about Oliver at www.oliverrichman.com.