Born in London’s East End, Hiller was the son of Sam and Sarah, both of whom were musicians. At 18 he began working as a London taxi driver but when he wasn’t behind the wheel he and his brother Irving would “play at writing songs”.
Together the siblings would visit Denmark Street in London’s Soho area, trying to sell their work for as little as £20. Enjoying the success that unfolded they soon became double act The Hiller Brothers, touring the world and performing alongside household names such as Matt Monro and Kathy Kirby.
“We worked with the biggest but we weren’t big,” he would later recall. In 1970 Hiller co-wrote United We Stand for pop group Brotherhood Of Man – their first hit. Having been recorded by more than 100 different artists since its original release the song has come to symbolise hope and strength in the face of adversity.
“I never intended for United We Stand to be an anthem,” Hiller once said.
“It was written as a love song but for some reason people took a shine to it and used it for all sorts of purposes.
“Often when people want to show solidarity they sing United We Stand. I’m very proud of that.”
Six years later Hiller rocketed to international fame after writing Save Your Kisses For Me for Brotherhood Of Man’s Eurovision debut. Winning the contest the song also became the biggest selling UK single of the year. He went on to write a further two UK No 1 hits for the group: Angelo in 1977 and Figaro a year later.
The veteran songwriter also won a raft of awards during his career, including six Ivor Novello Awards and a BASCA Gold Badge Award for his great contribution to the music industry. Hiller was a cherished member of the Society Of Distinguished Songwriters where he mentored other aspiring songwriters. He is survived by his wife Leigh.
