Michael K. Miller
Michael K. Miller | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | Composer, arranger, producer, musical director |
| Years active | 1973–present |
| Associated acts | Dionne Warwick, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, John Denver, Tina Turner, Olivia Newton-John |
Michael K. Miller ("Mickle") is an American composer, arranger, and musical director. He was musical director and theme song composer for Paramount's long-running television music/variety series, Solid Gold (1980–1988). He composed the 1984 Winter Olympics opening theme song, "Just a Dream Away". He was arranger and producer of a duet by Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin of "I Say a Little Prayer" in 2021.[1]
Early life and education
During high school, Michael demonstrated early musical talent by arranging a feature piece titled "Superstar Medley" in 1973 for renowned Los Angeles lead trumpeter Bud Brisbois. Impressed by the arrangement, Brisbois introduced Michael to composer Henry Mancini, who subsequently offered to mentor him.[2]
During his senior year at UCLA, Michael and his lyricist, Monica Riordan, won a national Warner Brothers songwriting contest[3] promoting the movie, "Ode to Billy Joe" starring Robby Benson.[4] The judges were Bobbie Gentry, Michel Legrand, Max Baer and Larry Marks, and the prize was a national release of Miller and Riordan's winning song, "Beyond Today"[5][6], which became a Top Pick in Billboard Magazine on May 7, 1977.[7]
Career
1984 Winter Olympics
One of Miller’s most significant compositions was "Just a Dream Away," which John Denver sang to open the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. Opera tenor Plácido Domingo later requested Miller to arrange and conduct "Just A Dream Away" for his album Save Your Nights for Me. Miller also produced a version of "Just A Dream Away" in 1987 for Dionne Warwick.[8]
Collaborations and arrangements
In 2021, Miller produced and arranged a duet of "I Say a Little Prayer" for Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin, which was included in Rhino Records' 4-CD box set, ARETHA.[9]
He co-wrote "I Will Always Love You" with Mac Davis for his Hard To Be Humble album[10], which was certified Gold by the RIAA on March 4, 1981.[11]
References
- ↑ "New Aretha Box Set Revives Long Lost Duet with Dionne Warwick on "I Say a Little Prayer" from 1981". showbiz411.com. 31 July 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
- ↑ Miller, Michael. "Bio". Michael K. Miller ("Mickle") Official Website. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
- ↑ "Miller, Riordan Win 'Joe' Song Contest". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 242 no. 45. August 24, 1976. p. 10.
- ↑ Miller, Mike (1976-09-18). "Late General News: Inside Track" (PDF). Billboard. Billboard. p. 74. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
- ↑ "Deborah Ludwig – Beyond Today / I Think I'll Write My Own Story". Discogs.com. May 1977. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
- ↑ Catalog of Copyright Entries: Third Series. Copyright Office Library of Congress. January–June 1976. p. 1619. Retrieved 31 January 2025. Search this book on
- ↑ "Billboard's Top Single Picks". Billboard Magazine. 89 (18): 88. May 7, 1977. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
- ↑ Audio Track. Billboard Magazine. February 15, 1986. p. 42A. Search this book on
- ↑ "New Aretha Box Set Revives Long Lost Duet with Dionne Warwick on "I Say a Little Prayer" from 1981". showbiz411.com. 31 July 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
- ↑ "Mac Davis – It's Hard To Be Humble". discogs.com. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
- ↑ "Gold & Platinum". RIAA.
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