Roger’s wife, Mary Arnold, who was a band member of Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, is from my hometown of Audubon, Iowa. I was working in the deli at one of our local grocery stores during high school. The Miller family was there to celebrate Christmas with her mother. I saw Roger in the grocery store, knew immediately who he was when I saw him, but chose not to bother him. I sometimes wish that I would have at least spoken to him. This was in about in 1976 or 1977.
Story goes that in 1986 Duane Eddy re-recorded his best known hit, Peter Gunn with the group Art of Noise. It went top 10 around the world and won the Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental of 1986. It was comeback time! The next year he got together with Paul McCartney, who wanted to produce his sound... the album Duane Eddy was the result. Tracks were produced by Paul McCartney, Jeff Lynne, Ry Cooder, and Art of Noise. A slew of guest artists were invited and lined up including John Fogerty, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ry Cooder, James Burton, David Lindley, Phil Pickett, Steve Cropper, and Larry Knechtel and Jim Horn from his original group The Rebels.
Roger Miller was a "wonder child" of country music! He never ceased to amaze me --- particularly when, during a song, he tossed off those rhythmic babbling syllables, flawlessly, at the speed of a freight train! Also, growing up in 1950's and 1960's, I loved the Porter Waggoner Show; looked forward to it every Saturday afternoon. Porter's sequined polyester leisure suits were his trademark. Dolly Partin got her start on that show when she replaced "Pretty Miss Norma Jean".
I also loved the in-house commercials for Porter Wagoner's sponsors (sung by Porter, the gang, and the WagonMasters: Soltice Quick Rub Black Draught Laxative Syrup of Black Draught Cough Remedy "Ohhh! Black Draught cleans you from the inside out!--------" (for a laxative, it can't be stated in plainer terms!)
It's terrible he's not remembered and then when he is, it's for comedy and novelty songs. They're terrific, but he was a serious songwriter too. Start maybe with "Husbands and Wives".
Such a fun video where everyone is sharing and relaxing. Always love Roger Miller especially "My elusive dreams" and "trailers" etc. Young Dolly looking good too. Thank you.
