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Let's
Talk!
Whether you're a die-hard, or a new fan of Roger's, we'd like
to hear from you! Drop
us an email with your Roger stories, comments, and questions.
When
I was a very young kid my Mom played Roger Miller songs. It
seems that we heard them over and over. I have always remembered
the songs Dang me & King of the Road. I have often sang
the pieces of these songs to my kids. And then it dawned on
me to try and find Roger Miller tapes on ebay. To my surprise
there was not a one. So I stumbled onto this web site and
when I played the songs on the web site it brought back a
flood of emotions for me. My Mother passed away in November
of 2002. This music is a priceless memory for me. Thank you
for making Rodger's music available to people that will never
forget him. I will treasure his music as long as I live. Thank
you just doesn't say enough.
Joan Tooker
yngmom4@aol.com
My
son at 8 learned all of Roger's song's. Now 42 and EE engineer,
still knows them. We have had the pleasure of listening to
Dean Miller on 7-28-04 @ the Bluebird Cafe. He was great-Roger
would be Proud!!! Ed & Sarah Wallace PS bought CD for
son David with which Dean signed!! Thanks Respectfully
anonymous
wewall@bellsouth.net
Roger
Miller was a unique man. There are very few in the same class
with him. Mickey Newbury comes to mind...I can think of no
one else. The anecdote supplied by young Josh Turner (who
is, I suspect, the Josh Turner who now has a giant hit with
"The Long Black Train") is so typical of Mr. Miller
that it brings a smile to my face. I thank you for this site,
and for perpetuating the legacy of Roger Miller.
Bill Clark
wclark7@kc.rr.com
Growing
up in New Jersey with a southern dad meant Roger Miller records
at the house! I can STILL hear my daddy laugh whenever we
played those wonderful little tunes!
waynescott@jam.rr.com
Hi,
Great site, Roger is and always will be my hero. I am an entertainer
in Western Australia,I do a lot of Roger's songs, Imet Roger
on two ocassions the first time was in the late 60's early
70's when he was in Sydney working at the Chevron Silver Spade
Hotel, I later went to the U.S.A. I wrote to his manager of
the time Mr. Dan Moss, who arranged a meeting for me in Reno
Nv. backstage at Johhny Asquaga's Nugett Casino, the opening
act was an unknown Steve Martin, doing comedy and playing
banjo. Mr. Moss arranged for me to go backstage after the
show, Roger was great we had a good time talking and playing,
in '81 I opened for Willie Nelson here in Perth and willie
was also great and we talked about Roger that night, I could
write lots but I am just glad to say Hello,oh, I also have
Dean Miller's C.D. Thank you for this forum, I would welcome
Emails.
Wayne Pride
waynepride@yahoo.com.au
Hi,
I'm 27 years old and I guess you could say that I grew up
listening to Roger Miller, too. My family did a lot of road
trips. My father would play his tapes of Willie and Waylon,
C.W. McCall, and Marty Robbins over and over again when he
was in the mood and in the car. My brother and I were sick
of them by the time we were teenagers. I never got sick of
Roger Miller, though. My father died at age 52 about 5 years
ago. I like to put on Roger Miller to remember him sometimes.
I also like to put on Roger Miller when I am working around
the house, too, because the songs are just so easy and fun
to sing along with. Listening to Roger Miller brings back
many good memories. I hope to pass a love for the fun of Roger
Miller's music down to my kids someday.
anonymous
valko@verizon.net
Roger
Miller could bring a smile to your face. His music was so
go it could cross over from country to the pop music charts.
A person could enjoy his music and not usually like country
western music. He was a great man!!
anonymous
twovanns@msn.com
I
am fifty now. Back in the sixties, my mom and I didn't like
the same music, to put it mildly. I was in sixth grade, and
we got a new hi-fi. I rolled my eyes, here we go with some
awful music, I thought. She bought a Roger Miller record.
I think we played it til it wore out...we'd run around and
sing all the songs with Roger. We had found a common denominator!
I loved every song on that album. Whenever I hear a Roger
Miller song, it takes me back to that time. Thank you for
such a great site! Roger is timeless.
anonymous
twotaps@aol.com
Hi
Folks! I am 41 years old, and I still love Roger's Music.
It was while being a Kid and my mom and Pop bought a Country
music Album off of the TV and I first heard Roger sing "Me
and Bobby Mcgee" I was hooked as a Kid. I finally got
to see Roger when my Dad was station at a Air Force Base in
Great Falls, Montana. That I asked my mod and Dad to get Tickets
for Roger's Show at the Great Fall's Montana State Fair in
1972. That I got to see him Now being 10 at the time that
was one of the biggest thrill's as a Kid. I think I still
have that Album that he put out in 1972 It was the first record
I ever bought as a kid. Will enjoy his Music forever!
Alan Rupa Billerica, MA
the_roo@msn.com
I
can't explain it in words: but even years after Roger's death
did I cry, and hard, when I saw something on TV about him.
I have lots of his songs on tape and I simply love the man.
He makes me feel so happy. I just a couple of days ago saw
BIG RIVER and was so overwhelmed by the music and lyrics.
What a loss for us all that he is not among us anymore. But
thank God, he lives forever in his music. Thank you Roger,
wherever you are!
Lindmuth Fuller
texkraut@earthlink.net
The
last word in lonesome is me! Thinking what a sad loss Roger
Miller, along with Mario Lanza, always brings a lump to my
throat! Thanks for site.
Terry (64)
terry.howe1@ntlworld.com
Whistle
Stop I was born in 1971. I saw "Robin Hood" in the
theater -- several times. I was just a little kid back then.
I had a green bike. In a box of cereal, maybe "cornflakes",
I received a Robin Hood sticker. That sticker went right on
my bike. My dad took me to that Robin Hood movie. To this
day, when my dad is in a good mood, you can hear him whisteling
"whistle Stop." I'm 32 years old. I'm a dad now.
I have Robin Hood on vhs and dvd. When my daughter is being
very good, sometimes, I'll pop in my favorite movie. To this
day, when I'm in a good mood, you can hear me whisteling "whistle
stop"...
anonymous
suspence_1@yahoo.com
I
just finished listening to many of the Roger Miller songs
that were popular when I was in my early teens. My dad always
got a kick out of hearing Roger Miller sing...thought his
songs were "catchy", especially "Dang Me".
There were many mornings when Dad would wake me for school
with his guitar in hand, sitting at the end of my bed, singing
"Dang Me". He thought that was the most clever piece
of music he'd ever heard. The reason I mentioned that is because
my father always comes to mind whenever I hear Roger's music.
I had heard he passed away but I didn't know when. I was about
ready to call it a night when my curiosity led me to this
website. What a truly incredible man he was! I feel I got
to know him a little bit tonight through all I read in this
website. Very well done. The love comes through in a very
special way. Thank you for making my night.
anonymous
SummerRain0428@aol.com
I
might have been the only person who had never heard of Roger
Miller. However,this morning, my daughter's voice teacher
played River in the Rain in preparation for my daughter's
recital. I was reading a book while waiting for the lesson
to finish, but I had to put the book down to listen to the
beautiful melody. When the teacher came out of the studio,
I asked him who was the singer. He told me Roger Miller. I
wanted to know whether he was country or not. I love country
music. I'm not sure yet whether Mr. Miller is country or not,
but nonetheless, he has now a big fan here. I have been reading
his biography and listening to his music online. Tomorrow,
I will go to buy his CD's. I think I have fallen in love with
him. What a voice, what great passion. I think I will join
his fan club for sure. Thank you, Mr. Miller. I'm sorry I
didn't know about you years ago.
anonymous
sugar_483@hotmail.com
Roger
has been gone for almost 12 years and I still feel a twinge
of sadness whenever I hear "King of the Road." It's
my favorite RM song. Don't know what it is about it, but it's
happy, it's sad, it's poignant-just like Roger, I guess! Roger,
I hope somewhere you are walking hand-in-hand with Jesus-
"The King" and "King of the Road'!
anonymous
StacyMevoli@kittymail.com
rogers
golden hits is a big part of why i love country music today.
my dad loved roger miller, and as a young kid at the time
1966-68 or so, i was eight years old, born in 1960. to this
day i still have the album & cassette., and when i here
a song on country oldies 99.5 in boston,ma. on sunday mornings
w/ mike burns & stu fink, i still remember all the words
& sing along to all those great songs that i grew up with
listening w/ my dad.
steve,salem,ma.
srlevesq@travelers.com
I
thank you so much! I just want you to know how much I loved
his music! I grew up with his music. Every time I here any
of his songs I think of all the great times I had with my
Father. He also was a BIG fan of his. (God Rest their Souls)!
BILL
siredward57@new.rr.com
I
loved Roger since i was a little girl - my Mum took the songs
down off the radio in shorthand so my class of 6 year olds
(in new zealand) could sing them, i love vinyl and just bought
Rogers Millers 20 golden greats and at the moment i can't
listen to anything else - beautiful music -thanks xxxx
anonymous
sioxze@hotmail.com
Dear
Mary, I am 37, a Kindergarten teacher, and a new mom. I have
always been a lover of Roger Miller's music. Tonight when
I was putting my 3 year old to bed with a movie (Robin Hood)my
daughter was listening to the "cock-a-doodle doo singing
odelaly odelaly odalalylay..." every time she watches
this movie she comments on the songs. I can't express in words
what a joy it is to here her cling to and find joy in something
that means so much to me, and do this all on her own. I just
thought wouldn't it be great to touch so many lives and as
I was online I thought I would try to figure out what year
Roger was involved in this. I ran across your site and thought
I would let you know that somewhere on the 100th meridian
in Cozad, NE a little girl goes to sleep singing Roger Miller
songs with a smile on her face, and her mother is so happy
she has those songs in her heart.
anonymous
scott@cozadtel.net
I
made a comment on the website when I was 19 years old. That
was nearly six years ago. Ever since I have checked the website
regularly. I was just reading through some of the comments
and felt like I needed to share again. I am an aspiring singer
and songwriter and Roger Miller is one of my major influences.
I sing and play guitar at a local restaurant on Friday nights.
One thing that I have noticed is when I sing "King of
the Road" the people eating and listening always seem
to have a smile on their faces and most sing along. It is
one of the only songs that I have noticed that will have that
effect people. Roger made so many people happy with his music
and is still bringing smiles to people's faces. I make sure
that I do my part to keep the music alive and kicking. I just
hope I do it justice. Thanks Again
Steve Losh Stuarts Draft, VA
s_losh@yahoo.com
growing
up my father used to wake my entire family on saturday mornings
with his renditions of many roger miller tunes, while also
running the vacume .i had no idea where my father had come
up with these crazy songs that he would sing,until one day
while going thru his record collection i came across a couple
of roger miller albums, i put those records on the player
and have not stoped listening since. i truly admire rogers
songwriting , he truly knew how to look at life a little differently
than every one else.nothing picks me up and gets me goin like
rogers music.i owe my father and those saturday serenades
for turning me on to his music.
anonymous
russandrach@msn.com
I
have just recently fallen under the spell that is Roger Miller.
I am a 23 year old college student and music lover. Roger
Miller is definetely at the top of the heap. Ever since I
heard "You Can't Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd"
on an Americana Country radio station a few years ago, I couldn't
get the song out of my head. I did not know who Roger Miller
was when I first heard that song, and it was only just a couple
weeks ago when I found out that "Buffalo Herd" was
his song. I had just thought that the song was an eccentric
one-hit wonder for a musician who was just too talented to
succeed in NashVegas. I know have the compilation CD with
the Kristofferson liner notes and can not get enough of it.
I absolutely Love his music. He really was a genius at writing
and playing songs that have the integrity to bridge across
generations. I'm sure my grandchildren will enjoy his music
just as I do know!
anonymous
ramblingbanjer@hotmail.com
hi
mary. i want to say i love this site its cool and sweet. yaknow
i grew up listening to roger. i took it real hard when he
pass'd away even though i never knew roger himself i knew
his music and his kind and sweet spirit. i still miss mr miller
after all this time still so sad to think he is no longer
with us in body but in spirit i know he will always be. to
me he is the king of funny country songs and i love his love
songs to. he'll never die. long live roger miller.
anonymous
popeye_ks@yahoo.com
I'm
a kid of the 60's and remember very well listening to Roger
Miller........the man with the unique voice and memorable
songs. Years later I came accross a Roger Miller cassett as
well as CD's of his "greatest hits" and have had
them around the house for years. So my 4 children (now ages
25, 23 and twins at 19yrs ) have all grown up hearing Roger's
songs. One of our all time favorite is "Little Toy Train"
which were have listened to several times this Christmas season.
Roger Miller a true American classic and hallowed favorite.
God Bless.
anonymous
pabrown68@aol.com
I
remember Roger so well from various variety shows in the '60s
but then like so many people in show business he just seemed
to drop out of sight. In the last three years I have become
a big Broadway musical fan and just by chance "Big River"
was available at one of our local record stores. I didn't
know much about it and I suppose in the back of my mind I
unconsciously questioned how good it could've been. Boy, was
I wrong! Even my seven year old son loves it and in the three
days that we have had the CD it has been playing constantly.
Kudos to Rocco Landesman for insisting Roger do it for without
him American would've lost a great, great piece of music.
Mike Sharpe Grand Junction, Colorado
msharpe01@bresnan.net
Hi,
This is Michael Henry, the lead singer for Automatic Hotel.
I've loved Roger's music since I was about two feet tall.
I still listen to and enjoy it quite often. Roger simply made
the world a better place. I'm very glad to see the website
up and getting such a great response. Well done.
Mike
mike@automatichotel.com
Wow,
seems like a lot of people my age have written in saying their
dad used to play Roger's songs... I'm one of those too. I'm
now 30 years old, and just the other day, my dad sent me some
songs that opened up a flood gate of memories. We are a piloting
family and "Uncle Harvey's Airplane" really was
good to hear again, probably my fav. I hadn't heard it in
15-20 years, but I could sing every line as soon as I started
playing it. WHat a great sense of humor he had. I thank him
much for the memories he helped create.
anonymous
mhaag@forensicfirearms.com
Roger
did for music what Mark Twain did for literature.
anonymous
Louiebmayer@aol.com
Hi
There! My name is Kevin McFadden, I am Irish, living in Melbourne
Australia for the past 14 years. I am a HUGE Roger Miller
fan - have been since I was a teenager living in Ireland.
I loved his early hits, like Dang Me, Chug a Lug, England
Swings and particularly King of the Road. His unique sense
of humour (who else would rhyme 'purple' with 'syrple'!)was
pure genius, as was his 'scat singing'. Roger was a one-off,
had a beautiful deep voice and could make u laugh and cry
and live and die all within the space of 2 minutes. In short
- he was unique and may his genius continue to shine for generations
to come. Roger - it has been a heck of a ride!
Love Kevin McFadden, East Doncaster, Melbourne, VIC 3109 Australia.
kpmcfadden@bluep.com
My
Roger Miller experience is one I will never forget. Years
ago, I worked for the Santa Fe Opera for a sumer. One afternoon,
we were eating lunch, and this car pulled up. The driver got
out, and finding out we were from the Opera, introduced himself,
and said he had a play on Broadway, and that his name was
Roger Miller. I told him that I knew his country music as
well. He just smiled. We were all impressed that this man
would introduce himself to us, and was such a nice fella.
He was charming and down to earth. I'll never forget that
day.
anonymous
kingofrwc@comcast.net
This
is what I love about Roger Miller. Songs that transcend generational
gaps and rise above the ability of time to erode memories.
SO many people here heard his music as children only to lose
touch and later searched it out, to find it made them happy
like a child again. Thanks for the memories infront of of
an old record player twenty eight odd years ago, and for the
memories of teaching my children those same songs.
Kimball Hall
kimballh@renewcretewest.com
My
name is Kara and I am 15. Unlike most of my friends I like
to listen to Roger Miller. Most of the people I Know, don't
have a clue who he is. I listen to classic country all of
the time. I sing along with my whole family. I just love Rogers
songs, and there are so many great ones. My three favorite
songs are King of The Road, England Swings, and You Can't
Roller Skate In A Buffalo Herd. They always make me happy
when I am feeling a little sad. I just want more people that
I know to start listening to more music than just now days
kind of music. Any music from the 40's to 80's is the best
to me. Roger Miller is the best.
Kara
karalee014@cs.com
Hi,
this is one of my many visits to Roger's home on the web where
I remember his dynamic music pumping through an old RCA victrola
as a child. His music has been dear to me for over thirty
years. I still have the vinyl album of "Engine Engine
# 9. I only wish I could have met him so that I could've told
him how much I respect and admire him for his perseverence
and thank him for his immeasurable contribution to the world
of music. To his wife and children, I say, be proud everyday
that you were part of the life of a wonderful man. Some of
us only wish that we could have been part of his wonderful
world. His wit and creative lyric will always be with us as
we celebrate his life every time we play a Roger tune. Thank
You Roger, for the music and the legacy. You are appreciated
more than you could have ever imagined.
Jason Fontenot New Orleans LA
jfontenot@nationalbp.co
I was the bassist for the Broadway production and original
cast recording of "Big River" in 1985. I found Roger
Miller to be the industry standard of the "real deal"...an
incredibly gifted songwriter and a very gracious individual;
there will never be another like him. I had the honor of working
with him under very unique and intimate musical circumstances.
It was a vastly enriching and unforgettable experience, personally
and professionally! Best -
JG
jeff@jeffganz.com
Me,
and my husband, John, often get out our old 45's, Tonight
we played one of our favourite Roger Miller songs. "One
Dyin' and a Buryin'" As long as we can play these 45's,
performers, songwriters, like Roger Miller will live on.
Cathy & John Miller - no relation
j.miller@ns.sympatico.ca
Hi.
I remember getting King of the Road as my first record along
with my "close and play" record player. I was lucky
enough to see Roger at the Venetian Room at the San Francisco
Fairmont Hotel when I was a teenager. I remember the host
would not let me in without a tie on because it was a very
formal hotel. When I asked him if Roger would mind, he smiled
then snuck me in. It was a childhood dream come true to see
my favorite preformer live. I was surprised to feel that he
didn't seem "larger than life". I wasn't really
even awed. He was just a reguler guy with a whole lot of talent.
I felt like I could sit there listening forever. Thank you
Roger for making my childhood a little happier
anonymous
Henrys6@aol.com
I've
been a huge Roger Miller fan since 1964. When he had his TV
show, I was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. I Bought a small
TV so I could watch the show. I've had the pleasure of seeing
Roger in person several times when he performed in Los Angeles
and Las Vegas. He always put on a terrific show. I remember
one show he did in particular at The Troubadour (a small nightclub
in L.A.). He was a big star then and did the gig as a favor
to the owner because it was one of the places that gave him
a break on the way up. I still have a copy of the Feb '66
Saturday Evening Post with Roger on the cover. When you look
in the dictionary under the word "cool" you'll find
a piture of Roger there to define it.
anonymous
ghivers@excite.com
Hi,
I'm 51 and I bought the album "16 STARTRACKS" when
I was a kid way back when. I listened to it and just loved
it to death, knew all the lyrics to all the songs and sang
along with him. It always made me smile and feel better. Now,
I have a 10 year old son. I was looking through my old black
vinyl records in the cupboard looking for something to tape
for him during a vacation trip. I decided to tape the Roger
Miller record and now, all of a sudden, my son won«t
get enough of Roger Miller!!! He truly is the best, heartwarming
and funny. We are now, father and son singing full throttle
along with Roger Miller. That«s why I decided to check
up on him on the internet. Thank you very much.
Tryggvi Tryggvason and son Iceland
ggg@ismennt.is
I
first heard Roger Miller, in the Spring 1965; I was 17 at
the time and taking part of a horticultural apprenticeship,
in Victoria,B.C. We were given $85.00 per month, to cover
our expenses; we had to really account for every penny. We
had stopped at a roadside tea shop,on our way to help transplant
some very large trees. It was cold and pouring down rain.
"King of the Road", was playing on the radio, it
immediately became our theme song;we would sing it, wether
we down and out or not. I have since then enjoyed, all of
Roger Miller's music,I have just brought out the LP's to listen
to, and find the younger people enjoying Roger's music as
much as I do.
George MacLeod Vernon,B.C.
gc.mac@shaw.ca
I
was watching TV lastnight, and someone mentioned Roger Miller.
I had heard "King of The Road" a few times over
the last decade or so, but had not been driven to take it
any further. I am now 40 years old, and I fondly remember
listening to Roger Miller's records with my dad , and also
listening to them by myself.My father died in 2001. Hearing
Roger's songs again brings back so many wonderful, happy memories
of my father and the joy that Roger's music brought to the
both of us. It also rekindles inside of me, the love that
my father had for me. Thank you Roger, for being a part of
my childhood. You will now be a part of my chiildren's adolescence,
and my fatherhood journey. Glen Ford.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fordfam7@aol.com
I'm
a very young 40 years old. I grew up listening to Roger Miller
and other greats of the genre. I have been incredibly depressed
since his passing. Nobody laid down the tracks like Roger!
Fortunately, through his recordings, I can pass on to my children
the joy and fun and everything that was and is, Roger Miller.
Thank you.
anonymous
fintv@hotmail.com
When
I was very young - still in diapers - my father would tape
the Muppet show and he I and I would watch it together. There
was one episode we used to watch often. It featured Roger
Miller singing "The Hat Song." My father loves to
talk about how I used to point to the TV with my bottle and
laugh. Anyway, the point is that I've been a Roger Miller
fan since then (I'm 22 now) and I'm so happy I found this
site! It's a great tribute to a wonderful man.
anonymous
Em@woodstock.zzn.com
Great
website! I'm a 37-year old music nut into several different
types of music. I bought a record player a few years ago,
and one day I found "Roger Miller - Golden Hits"
at a yard sale. I picked it up on a whim, since I dimly recalled
that my Dad had owned the record, and I wondered if I would
remember any of the songs. Once I got home I set the needle
on the vinyl and was suddenly 10 years old again! By the time
I got to "Atta Boy, Girl," my face hurt from grinning.
His crazy Country scatting in songs like "In The Summertime"
and "Kansas City Star" had me rolling on the floor
and his poignant lyrics in "One Dyin' And A Buryin'"
had me feeling blue. Since then I've looked for all the Roger
Miller albums I can find, and each time I find something new
I'm struck by how talented and clever a songwriter he was.
And thanks to this website I've been glad to learn that he
was as nice a guy as he was talented.
anonymous
eduggins@aol.com
I
just had to write and tell you that I cannot listen to a Roger
Miller song without drifting back to my childhood!! The reason
I am writing is that my office is watching Shanghai Knights
and one of his songs was playing in the background! Thank
you for the great memories!! My grandparents had a finished
garage in upstate Michigan that I spent my summers in...we
(cousins and I)would spend hours playing pool and listening
to Chug-a lug or King of the Road. In fact, we would listen
SO much, that Gramps would hide the 8 track so that we wouldn't
play it over and over!! What wonderful memories his music
invokes!! Thank you, again. I can't wait to get the CD for
my kids!!
anonymous
draymond@usol.com
Beautiful
Web site! Here's a little Roger humor you probably never heard:
In downtown Beaumont, Texas, in the 1960s, a popular lunch
spot was Ritch's Pool Hall. One day, Roger was there with
Ken Ritter, Bill Hall, and Glenn Sutton. I think Jack Clement
was there too. Between racking balls for the pool shooters,
the rack boy doubled as a waiter, leaving the wooden rack
around his neck. He walked by the table, and Roger said, "Hey
man, your halo fell." Cracked up the whole place.
donj37@hotmail.com
Don Jacobs
I'm
47 years old now and I grew up on Roger's songs. They remind
me of riding in one of my dad's '60 - something Mercuries
listening to AM radio. When listening to Roger's songs now
I am amazed at how "perfect" the songs and performances
are. On the otherhand I can tell that they are all one-offs.
I have been involvd in professional music production as an
player, producer and engineer from over 25 years and I can
tell you... Roger's songs are what EVERY songwriter/singer
hopes to achieve and yet rarely ever do. Listen carefully....
this is high art disguised as fun.
Danny Brown
dbbubba@airmail.net
I
was born in 1960. Hearing any of Roger Miller's Golden Hits
immediately transports me back to when I was a kid listening
to that album over and over again. I know what Roger Miller's
Golden Hits sounds like when you play it at 33, 45, 78, backwards,
and as slow as you can turn a record with your finger. I could
play the whole album in my head, and did many a sleepless
night. When one of the Golden Hits played on the radio, it
just didn't seem right when the next track didn't follow.
This is how well I knew that album: as a kid, I thought Chug-a-Lug
said "Grape wine and amazing joy." Twenty years
later, I was absently playing it in my head and I distinctly
heard him say "Mason jar" and the line suddenly
made sense. Mary, it must have been great knowing him. In
case you didn't know, he's still alive and well and singing
in the hearts of many of us.
Dave Wilson, Loudon NH
davidwwilson@attbi.com
I
grew up listening to Roger Miller songs, we sang them around
the house while we played his records. Recently when that
red headed kid sang "King of the Road" on American
Idol, I went out and bought several Roger Miller CD's. I put
them in the car as I started a road trip from LA to Utah.
When those old familiaar songs started playing I laughed about
how different the songs were as an adult. I had misunderstood
so many of the lyrics when I was little. The subject matter
was so much deeper that I had remembered. I'm glad it is a
part of my child hood that I revisited. He was great.
anonymous
darngood@earthlink.net
Dear
Mary, Thank you very much for your response! I imagine there
are probably hundreds of anecdotal stories out there from
people who at least claim they had conversations and interaction
with your husband. I just find it fun to know that Roger found
inspiration here in Boise for one of the greatest songs of
all time. I grew up in the '60s, and as most San Francisco
Bay Area kids, surrounded myself with all the influential
rock stars of the day. Their influence took more of my time
and money than I care to admit. My parents, however, would
bring home the likes of Tennessee Ernie Ford, Johnny Cash,
and of course Roger Miller. I remember really liking some
of the stuff, as goofy as some of it sounded at the time,
but never could admit it to friends. Now at age 50, what's
left of my expensive rock collection gathers dust, while every
couple of months I have to get my bearings again with a Roger
Miller "fix." Tears come to my eyes every time I
ponder his contribution to my happiness in this life, as well
as his untimely passing. Thank you for keeping his legacy
alive.
Dan Seibel, Boise
DANISEIB@sarmc.org
Roger
Miller's music is some of the best music there ever was. I',
from the "record" days!! I used to love nothing
better than just putting on a Roger Miller album and dancing
around the room. As I got older, and married, I would always
put on Roger's albums and clean up a storm. Whenever my husband
came home and heard Roger Miller playing, he knew the whole
house was clean as a whistle!! Even oday, jiust the thought
of Roger Miller brings a smile to my face, reminds me of "You
cant roller skate in a buffalo herd", "My uncle
used to love me but she died", Friends and Lovers",
just to name a few!!! I'll forever miss Roger Miller and his
wonderful humor and music. Carol Cross Millersville, MD
Carol Cross
czc@toadmail.com
Roger
Miller to me is Christmastime and Old Toy Trains. We have
the Statler Brother's Christmas Card Video Special from 1985
and Roger Miller performed that song and talked with the boys
after and he was so funny. He also sang River and the Rain.
What a great artist!
anonymous
chriskibbeministries@cox.net
BUT
I LOVE YOU MORE. WHAT A SONG THE POETIC WORDS ARE SO BEAUTIFUL.
EVERY TIME I HEAR IT I GET GOOSE BUMPS. THE SINGERS TODAY
THAT ARE IN COUNTRY SHOULD TAKE SOME LESSONS ON HOW TO WRITE
SONGS, AND SING. NO EMOTION ANYMORE. GREATS LIKE ROGER MILLER,
MERLE HAGGARD, WILL LIVE ON FOREVER. RIGHT NOW I JUST CANNOT
SEEM TO GET ENOUGH OF ROGER MILLER MUSIC. IT WOULD OF BEEN
AWESOME TO SEE HIM IN PERSON, WHICH I NEVER DID. THANKS FOR
LEAVING US SUCH A GREAT LEGACY OF YOUR MUSIC.
ANONYMOUS
Thanks
Mary for the website! This 47year old still listens to many
albums my dad bought for me (he is a big fan too). My two
little girls like to hear me sing Roger's songs-like Ra-Ra-rumble
seats and running boards, them were the good old days! Roger
is very much alive in our world here in Portland,Or.
anonymous
angier4@teleport.com
I'm
a life-long Roger Miller fan. In the early to mid '60's,
I made my bones as a guitar player by learning every Roger
Miller song I heard on the radio. Most of my guitar player
friends were concentrating on the Beatles, but I was a Roger
Miller fan. In 1967 the Army sent me to Korea right about
the time North Korea had captured the Pueblo. Things were
kinda scarey over there at that time and I was wondering
how I could get out of the Infantry unit I was assigned
to. Out of nowhere, I was given a chance to audition for
the 2nd Division Showmen, a GI rock & roll band that
entertained at all the Enlisted/NCO Clubs in Korea. I desperately
wanted to make a good impression so that they would accept
me, so I sang "Dang Me" and was immediately accepted
into the Showmen and the ret of my time in Korea was a snap.
Years later (1981), I got the chance to meet Roger at a
party in Roy Clark's dressing room at the Frontier Hotel
and I count that night as one of the best in my life. To
all of Roger's fans, I say "Keep on the Sunny side"....
Jim Abernethy
abbeyroad@acsol.net
Hello,
My husband and I are 38 years young and have four children.
We always exposed our kids to a variety of music when they
were young. At least once a week, Roger Miller was put on
during diner. To this day, we contimue to eat diner together
as a family despite our children now being teens. Roger is
the one true constant music of choice through all of these
years. Many times when our children have guests for supper,
they request Roger to be played. I know it is because they
want to share the joy and simple fun of his music with others.
For a school assignment, my 14 year old daughter needs to
present a person of great influence on their lives. She has
chosen the legendary Roger Miller.
The Freemans of Ontario, Canada
To
me roger miller was more of a man than anyone I know in the
whole opry crowd. When my dad "cowboy copas" crashed
in the plane with Patsy Hawk and Randy, Roger got out of bed
and went looking for them he had called other so called friends
that could not be bothered to go look. but Roger went out
and was the first to spot the crash sight. I know the nightmarish
sight he saw that day never left him. I could never have thanked
him enough for what he did. He was a true friend to all of
them and I will love him forever for that.
KATHY COPAS DYER
KATHY.DYER@BNSF.COM
About
4 months ago my good friend Dorsey aquired from his parents
an 82' Buick Regal with a WORKING 8 track player. He being
28 and me 25, we didn't own any 8 track tapes so we decided
to go down to the used bookstore to pick out some 8 track
tapes. We picked out Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson and a random
tape of someone we never heard of: Roger Miller. Dorsey and
I are music lovers and naturally LOVED this "new"
singer we happened across. Since then, all he listens to on
his drives to work and back is this Roger Miller 8 track tape
with "Little Green Apples", "My Uncle...",
and my personal favorite,"Been A Long Time Leavin'".
I had to own the songs so we could listen to them on our CD
player at home, so I recently ordered the 3CD set from this
website because I had to have more of Roger's material. Needless
to say, I recieved the CD set and when I play these songs
that I now have I feel a sense of hopefulness. When I say
hopefulness, I don't know exactly in what kind of hope I am
refering to, but I know that his voice, music and words make
me feel good, sad and happy songs alike. I've said this before
and I'll say it again, Thanks Roger, and thank you, Mary for
the information in this website andfor making merchandise
available. God Bless.
Chris Philbrick
orangelazarus@satx.rr.com
Today
i was feeling down so I came home and got two of my Roger
Miller tapes and two of my Sheb Wooley tapes and as I worked
I lisned to them first one then the other.It always makes
my outlook a little brighter. Every time I get on this Roger
Miller site tears fill my eyes I really don't know way. But
the hold world lost alot of laughter and joy with Roger's
passing. I would just like to say THANKS. And let you know
that Roger's magic is sill at work helping us to see the brighter
and humorous side of our problems and our lives.
Luther L. Wooley Ardmore, Oklahoma
luther@brightok.net
Boston
used to have a local TV show called Community Auditions.
It was a talent show, it was on every Sunday morning. I
went on it when I was all of 6 years old--this was in 1971.
I was a singer, so I sang my favorite song--"King of
the Road." I even won first prize (though I finished
second in the next round.) Of course, what this meant was
that every time my proud parents wanted to impress people,
they wheeled out their son the singer. Between the ages
of 6 and 9 I probably sang that song as many times as Roger
Miller did! Anyhow, I grew up, learned the guitar, played
in a couple bands, wrote my own songs, couldn't drive past
a karaoke bar without stopping to sing a tune, gravitated
to rock and soul but never lost my soft spot for Roger Miller.
I heard that Roger had died on the radio while driving in
my car one night. I was 10 minutes from my favorite karaoke
hangout, the one where I knew everybody. I hit the gas and
headed there. I put in my request, and grabbed the mike,
and told everyone, "This is the first song I ever sang
in front of an audience. I haven't sang it in public for
close to 20 years. The man that wrote it, Roger Miller,
died today." With that, I sang "King of the Road"
again. Now, when I sing someplace, or even when I pick up
my guitar with friends, I make sure I get "King of
the Road" in there, or one of his others that I know.
Because, as long as someone is singing his songs somewhere,
he will live forever.
Frank Downey
fab4fan99@prodigy.net
What
a great site! I love Roger Miller's music. I am 15 and first
discovered him while listening to the radio with my grandfather
a few years ago. My best friend and I are always singing his
songs. Of course we get looks whenever we sing MY UNCLE USED
TO LOVE ME BUT SHE DIED. I guess I like him because he conveys
his emotions so well in such a wide range of songs from One
Dyin to YOU CAN'T ROLLERSKATE IN A BUFFALO HERD.
James Darnell
agenttura39@hotmail.com
One
of Roger's quotes was that he was always 20 minutes ahead
of his time. You know I wish for once he would have been late.
I know the world could have used about 20 minutes more of
Roger in this crazy world we are living in now... I know I
could.
Anonymous
Hello
Mary, Roger was a gift in my life. His music is so captivating.
It's simple but complex--there doesn't seem to be a wasted
word in any of his songs. I see kids tapping their feet to
Robin Hood and I see superior musicians marvel at his artistry.
When I hear a happy song like "Home" I hear his
sadness. When I hear a sad song like "One Dyin'"
I hear his sense of humor. His music makes me smile and puts
me in awe everyday.
Dale Bracken
PamB824@aol.com
Hi
there I'm 25 years old. I loved listening to roger miller
as a child, my dads a huge fan as am I. I'd really love any
info that can't be found. What else can I say "Roger
Miller" is the best there is the best there was an the
best there ever will be!!
negadude@hotmail.com
I
can remember listening to Roger Miller's music ever since
I was a little kid. My Dad used to play several of his records,
and I always loved hearing them. One of the biggest highlights
of my life came when I was 16 or 17. My parents were working
the fair circuits selling things to fairgoers, and I would
pass the time floating in and out of several stands and booths
giving the workers and owners a badly needed break. One evening
we were at the mid-state fair in Paso Robles, CA and as I
was working in a booth selling roses made from wood shavings,
I was treated to one of the best double feature free concerts
a person could wish for - Sawyer Brown (this was right after
they had won on Star Search) and Roger Miller. People thought
it a little strange that someone my age was singing along
to so many of his songs. But he was so happy, funny, and personable,
you just couldn't help it! Roger Miller will always hold a
special place in my heart.
gburnash@hotmail.com
Wow.
What a wonderful site. I was born in 1962, and my daddy used
to sing at home all the time. Some of my favorites were the
Roger Millers... especially "Dang Me" and "King
of the Road"... I remember going to see "Robin Hood"
and loving that guitar picking Allen-A-Dale. That's what Roger
represents to me: a troubadour for my youth. Thanks for the
memories... Polly Wolly Doodle!
Caroline Gutierrez Abreu
crow@seacoast.com
I
think Roger Miller left a huge impression on America's youth
in the 60's. I graduated from high school in '67. Our unofficial
theme song was "Dang Me". I truly enjoyed listening
to Roger speak and sing. He was a true American Character.
jv1948@xs1.nets.com
Hello
all friends of Roger. I wrote about a month ago and just checked
back to see how the website was going. In 1979 I started work
as a DJ at a radio station that played several of Roger's
hits in their oldies library. Remembering these tunes from
my younger years I took to spinning off a tape of Roger's
Golden Hits LP. Over the next few years I acquired tapes of
his first six Smash LP's, also from radio station libraries.
In the 1980's it seemed very "un-hip" among people
of my age group to listen to such "old" music, but
for some reason I was hooked! I must have listened to Roger
every day for a good two years. When the 3-disc box set was
released I was overjoyed. I could not belive there was more
Roger Miller music I had never heard. Now I'm scrounging to
find more and more of his music. I am in fact listening to
Roger on my mini CD player headphones as I write. He was truly
an American original, a bright spot in an otherwise complicated
and confusing assortment of musical styles. To me Roger's
music is timeless. The appreciation I have for his music is
unique. Nobody in country music, rock & roll or anything
other style could possibly be as much fun to listen to as
Roger Miller. I regret that I never had the chance to see
him perform in>concert or just to shake the hand of a man
who has truly helped me through my past twenty years of life's
daily ups and downs. Good luck with the website. I have added
it to my list of favorites. Yours, Alan Brodie, PO Box 117,
Maynard MA 01754.
Alan Brodie
AlBrodie@AOL.com
I'm
a 20 year old college student who was first introduced to
Roger's music in March when the Roger Miller Remembered tribute
aired on TNN. I actually watched the progam because Reba McEntire
was set to perform (Reba is my all-time favorite singer).
What I didn't expect was that by the time the show was over
I'd have become a huge fan of Roger as well. It's rare that
I hear a song one time and on that first listen fall in love
with it, but so many of the songs that were sung that night
instantly became favorites--especially "Husband and Wives"
and the closer "The Crossing." I don't think I've
ever heard a more beautiful hymn. Since then I'd been hoping
to find the time to learn more about Roger and his music,
and I was lucky enough to convince my English professor to
let me do my research paper this term on him. I've never had
so much fun at the library *smile*. The more I learn about
Roger; the more I want to learn. He's quite a fascinating
writer and performer. In my opinion, country music has never>known
a better songwriter. I could probably go on for days, so I
won't take up any more of your time. I just wanted to thank
you for putting together this web site. It filled in certain
gaps and answered certain questions I hadn't been able to
answer at the library.
Judy Leonard
SueJude1@aol.com
Although
I never had the pleasure of seeing Roger live I'm sorry if
I dont't call him Mr.Miller, but he always seem so downhome
that he was like your favorite uncle, so I feel I know him
even though I never had the pleasure. I used to have one of
those Fisher Price Reco rd players,with only 5 45's but one
of them was King of the Road, I guess the the one thing I
admired about seriously affected my "good taste in music"
today.I feel that is why I love Country, Pop,but especially
blues, to say Roger had an influence on me is an understatment,
so for all the listening pleasures Roger brought I felt just
for me from today to those childhood days on that little Fisher
Price record player I say Thanks, Roger, I would say, I'm
sorry for his loss but Roger will never leave me, I'm reminded
of that every time I open my mouth because I too, am a natural
comedian and have no doubt that Roger's influence affected
me more greatly than I will ever imagine, and for that, Roger
will always be with me every time I take a breath----Thanks
Roger----Mike
Mike
Austin@sj.bigger.net
My
name is Josh Turner and I'm from South Carolina. I'm a big
fan of Roger's. Good, clean, country humor goes on a lot in
my family and Roger seemed like he would fit in just fine.
I'm a college student in Nashville and a couple of months
ago I spoke with a professional songwriter that used to play
in Roger's band. I asked this songwriter what it was like
to actually be around Roger and he said that he was one of
the funniest persons he had ever met. He said Roger came up
to him one day and said, "One day I tried to commit suicide,
so I tied a big rock around my ankle. When I jumped in the
river, I passed a fish with a balloon tied around its neck!!"
It was neat to hear something like that personally from someone
who had actually spent time with Roger. I hope this story
has brought a little more happiness to your day. Thank you.
turnerjo@pop.belmont.edu
Hi!
10 years ago I bought a country compilation cassette. At the
end of the cassette was "Dear Heart", as performed
by Roger Miller. I had never heard such a plaintive, direct
and heartfelt plea for a lover to come home, and it touched
me in a way no other country artist had before. It took 10
years for me to go out and buy the boxed set which was issued
in 1996. What a goldmine of wonderful songs; what wit, what
humor; what pain and what insight; and what an underrated
artist. I then had to read everything I could about Roger.
I went to Manhattan's Museum of Television and Radio so I
could see Roger on his own show, on "Shindig" and
the Flip Wilson Show. I practically wore out the boxed set
and my life was forever changed by this talented man. Josh
JMaxoutfit@aol.com
I
love your website, it's a dream come true. I'm nineteen years
old and Roger Miller is my favorite entertainer of all time.
He is also the greatest songwriter of all time. Thanks Steve
Losh
Steve Losh
s_losh@yahoo.com
I'm
quite possibly Roger Miller's biggest fan of my generation.
Most of my friends have never even heard of him, but I grew
up hearing my dad going around the house singing his songs.
Now, my son hears me going around the house singing those
same songs. My favorite songs are "In the Summertime"
and "Walkin' in the Sunshine".
slmulkey@yahoo.com
I'm
20 years old and I've been a Roger Miller fan for about 12
years now. My mom used to play his records around the house
and they always made me laugh. I even have really distinct
memories of singing and dancing to "Oo-De-Lally"
as a toddler. Roger Miller has brought many of my friends
and I lots of laughs, and as a college radio DJ, I enjoy sharing
his work with listeners. He was a great talent and is missed
dearly.
ssellins@muskingum.edu
I
guess I've always been a fan of Roger Miller's. When I was
growing up, listening to one of his albums was as common in
my house as The Beatles. My dad, who was about Roger's age,
was the first to listen. He heard "Kansas City Star"
and the rest is family history. I suppose we had about eight
or nine of his albums. Played the grooves off of all of them.
I've replaced some of them from used record stores, but some
will just be crackled memories. Recently, I've been gobbling
up any CD I can find. But most are just the "Hits".
I miss songs like "This Town" and "Water Dog."
Does anybody know if and/or when a COMPLETE catalog of Roger
Miller will be released? I, like many, was saddened by his
death. But he supplied my childhood with a soundtrack that
I carry with me daily. Every once in a while, I can catch
someone off-guard with a line from "Chug-a-lug"
or "The Moon is High." And remember..."Old
song writer's never die...they just de-compose." RM
Tom Campbell
tomandmoose@msn.com
Like
millions of people who heard Roger's music I will always be
a fan. I have the deepest respect for who he was and what
he did for country music. As a songwriter from Oklahoma I
have been inspired by Roger's attitude and conviction to his
craft. I still can't believe he's really gone. Thanks Roger
for being our friend and thank you Mary for this great web
page. Mike Carter, Route One Pony Express, Little, OK
Mike Carter
mcarter@dns.courthouse.co.seminole.ok.us
Mary,
I found this web page while looking at studio x's web page.
I have spent the past 45 minutes (when I should have been
working) reading the stories, bringing back memories about
Roger, his music and his humor. It was 45 minutes of laughs,
smiles, singing songs to myself, as well as more than a couple
of tears. I was about 7 or 8 years old when I first heard
Roger and as I grew older, his music became more and more
important to me. "Invitation to the Blues" remains
my all time favorite Roger Miller song, but I never heard
a Roger song I did't like. Thanks for the wonderful web page,
and for reminding me again just how much Roger's music has
meant to me.
Jim McCaskill
jim@greywolfconsulting.com
Die-hard??
To say the least! I consider Roger Miller a genious to the
music field in general. I could also go on and on but Ill
keep it short. Thank heavens this site is up for all to see
Mr. Miller's wit and charm. Being 19, let me say his music
is truly being honored and revered today by us "youngens."
Dean: Hope you put out another kickin album. Take care and
god bless!!! By the way- you might want to add a little line
that tells us when the site had been updated. Thanks so much!!
Makthnife@aol.com
Hello,
Mary, My wife and I have been Roger Miller devotees since
1960. I am from Amarillo originally, and lived there when
Roger was a member of the fire department. My wife is a native
Oklahoman, so they share that bond. Lastly, we have lived
in Santa Fe and Albuquerque for the past twenty years, and
consider that the only place on earth worth being! There's
something about New Mexico that just won't let go. We have
been working in Las Vegas for the past nine years, but our
home is still in New Mexico, where it will remain. No matter
how many shows we produce and appear in here, we'd trade it
all for the opportunity be back home. Roger was a true genius,
not just musically, but intellectually. He will be sorely
missed in our hearts, but never in our memories. Thank you
for creating this homepage and sharing yours and Roger's memories
with us. Hope you can catch us in Vegas sometime, but if not,
maybe we'll see one another sometime in the "Land of
Enchantment". Sincerely, John and Bonnie Evans
evansjb@email.msn.com
I
was fascinated by Roger's music even before I knew who he
was. I was seven years old the first time I saw Robin Hood,
and Allan-a-dale was definitely my favorite character in that
movie. For weeks after I saw it, I drove all my friends at
school crazy with my singing of "Robin Hood and Little
John walkin' through the forest...." And his music still
has the same comforting, uplifting, and knee slapping humor
that can carry me out of the murkiest waters of sadness. I
thank him for sharing his gifts with us during his short stay
in this world.
enessj@waldorf.edu
The
first real album I ever owned (not counting Popeye and Wild
Bill Hickok) was "The Return of Roger Miller." I
was 8 and my parents bought it for me. I'm 42 now and I'm
just as big a fan now as I was 34 years ago. His music is
just as fresh today as it was then; no one will ever be the
writer-performer he was. I had the honor of shaking his hand
at the end of his appearance at the Houston Rodeo (I had to
sell a rare coin I got for Christmas to buy tickets) and it's
still one of the greatest moments of my life. I've never missed
the coin but never forgotten being able to tell him what I
had always thought and what I still think: "You're the
greatest."
mwsimm@earthlink.net
Hi
there! I'm 33 years old. I loved to listen to my dad's Roger
Miller's Golden Hits when I was little. My father has said
"Atta boy, girl" to me every time I accomplished
something good in my life ever since I can remember. My husband
and I have very little in common musically but we both agree
on Roger. He's the best! I can't listen to his music and be
in a bad mood. Thank you for the years of pleasure, we've
really enjoyed your music. All the best, Ingrid and Jeff Dayton
Alameda CA
Ingrid and Jeff Dayton
ingrid@ousd.k12.ca.us
Drop
us an email with your Roger stories,
comments, and questions.
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