Roger Miller: "Leavins Not The Only Way To Go"

A tossed-off rendition of one of the 20th Century's most brilliant and underrated songwriters' loveliest compositions. By all accounts as lovely (and complicated) a man as he was talented a performer.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Roger
• Miller
• genius
• americana

[MyMoppet52]

I had absolute chills when I saw Big River on Broadway. The show was stopped numerous times for standing ovations and calls for more DURING the show. Not just at the end. It was incredible. Mr. Miller was on the national news for creating this masterpiece. His songs were written to reflect as many of American type songs of the time of Tom Sawyer. The harmonies and vocals he wrote were tremendous. I would love to see some of the songs here. I think this is the greatest achievement of his career.

[abargle]

@MyMoppet52 I am jealous that you got to see this show! I didn't discover Roger Miller until after he had passed. I agree this suite of songs is the most consistently strong of any of his career. This clip is from a biography long out of print, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I do what I can to help keep his memory alive and his songs sung. He (and Johnny Cash) have even inspired me to learn the guitar at 48.

[violinbloke]

Roger Miller was SO good, a real 'one-off'. Sad to say that he'll probably get forgotten.

[RyanIncorporated]

I think the most underrated thing about Roger Miller was his voice. Not too many have praised his vocal talent. Sure, it seems a bit rough and strange when compared to some other artists, but that's what I think makes his voice so interesting.

[Pinckney12]

In college in the 90's it was evident his songs found a strong audience in college students. You were as likely to hear Roger Miller at a party as you were to hear Pearl Jam.

[cpryde]

@violinbloke He will not get forgotten.

[buddyzroadie]

Thank you so much for posting this.. I think this is his best done. Thanks again. I really appreciate your music. Thanks for sharing.

[iplayacc]

this is what today s "music" is lacking. Just the pure, raw voice and music. Not covered up with crappy dancing and flash. Roger Miller was a great singer. No one in todays pop music can even come close.

[pedalman]

@RyanIncorporated just stumbled across your comment , yeah rough at the edges but look at Louis Armstrong, Willie Nelson, the talent is in the delivery of the song, Roger Miller was a vastly talented multi talent. Some one said here on youtube he may be forgotten, there is that chance because he died so young and a lot of what he achieved is not known worldwide. One thing though here in the UK his songs are still played on BBC radio nationwide regularly, walkin in the sunshine, England swings.

[chub4play]

An American Original. There's jazz, blues, bluegrass...and Roger Miller.

[georgebur]

Wow .. just seen him live for the first time. This was a great song in the show "Big River' where Roger excelled in fitting songs to story. Sad he is not still out there.

[blehman18066]

This song shows the genius of Roger Miller. My Dad used to play Roger Miller songs on 8-track tapes when I was gowing up. I'm an adult now, my Dad is gone, and I own every Roger Miller CD out there, even the German imports, which are ecxellent. His songwriting abilities and vocal talents are unmatched in our day and age. Roger Miller was a treasure that we should never forget!

[KeithWhitleyFan]

There will never again be a sunrise on planet earth which is better than the last day Roger Miller was here to see it. There are only a select few which can never be duplicated or imitated, Roger Miller is one.

[jc1daddy2]

Great song