Never Too Far/Hero Medley " is a medley recorded by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey , first released as a charity single on December 11 , 2001 through Virgin Records America and serving as the lead single for Carey 's second compilation album , '' Greatest Hits '' ( 2001 ) . The medley combines the first verse and chorus of " Never Too Far " , co-written and co-produced by Carey and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis , with a re-recorded version of the first verse , chorus and bridge of " Hero " , written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff . As the latter did not receive co-production credits due to the change in instrumentation , Randy Jackson was named as producer alongside Carey instead . The single was meant to express a message of unity and love in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Never Too Far/Hero Medley