JIM REEVES FAN FORUM

Good Ol Roger Miller

Posted by Roy Zinck <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Roy+Zinck' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 26, 2025, 9:24 pm

I was listening this week to some of Roger Miller's songs, but only the ones he wrote. Who could not appreciate 'Little Toy Trains' and how well Roger recorded it. .But then I found one he wrote in Oct. 1960 that to me would have been a shoe in for Jim. And as I listen to the song, I wonder out loud if Jim ever heard or considered this gem, since as we know Jim did record a number of Roger's songs, and the years line up for both artists. Disappointed to think Jim missed this one.

"A World I Can't Live In" is the song, and one I'm sure a title we can all relate to in this Politically charged disturbing environment we now are a part of.

A bit of research shows this song to be recorded by about a dozen singers over the years including Jan Howard (Oct.20, 1961), Roy Drusky (Sept, 1966) and a late recording by Roger (Sept, 1970). In my humble opinion I will say that Roger Miller has the best recording for sure.

Give it a listen on YouTube. You will not be disappointed, and while listening do you agree this could have been a song for Jim..... "The One That Got Away" as it were.

Sadly, we lost Roger on Oct 25, 1992 at the age of 56.

Thank you everyone !

Re: Good Ol Roger Miller

Posted by Robert Wagner <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Robert+Wagner' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 27, 2025, 8:21 am, in reply to "Good Ol Roger Miller"

I can't agree more about Roger's "Old Toy Trains" which is now a Holiday Standard, and performed by Roger in the "Statler Brothers Christmas Present" video, but not on the CD of the same name, where the Statler Brothers do it themselves.

I also agree that "A World I Can't Live In" is a Jim Reeves type of song. After listening to a couple versions I do think it needs Jim's touch for a more smoother rendition.

The importance of music has been in the news recently, in the realm of Social Media, Television Media, the Holidays, and Politics.

I have been trying to get Jim's music recognized, at least by mainstream Television, by contacting numerous outlets. Various Musical artists are being played at the beginning and end of reporting segments. Nothing by Jim.

My Emails go through to the outlets, but no response as yet.

I hope there are more visitors to this site than just us few that post frequently.

I would encourage all who do visit here to also try to make contact with media outlets to recognise Jim Reeves music and enlighten them as to what wonderful works of art they are missing.

The environment seems right, right now.

The "Politically Charged Disturbing Environment" you describe is ripe for the soothing sounds of Jim Reeves, and not the "Road Rage" type music we are subject to hearing in almost all forums.

Re: Good Ol Roger Miller

Posted by Mike Slater <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Mike+Slater' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 27, 2025, 7:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Good Ol Roger Miller"

Roy and Bob, couldn't have said all this better than you guys. However,I'm not familiar with the two Roger Miller songs mentioned here. I'll have to give them a listen. I have a big Roger Miller CD box set and the songs might very well be on it. Have To take a look.i'm a big fan of Roger myself.
He was my older brother Gary's favorite country singer. Roger was another great we lost much too soon..

Re: Good Ol Roger Miller

Posted by Roy Zinck <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Roy+Zinck' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 28, 2025, 8:38 pm, in reply to "Re: Good Ol Roger Miller"

If I ever had the occasion to talk to a Radio Station owner and was asked to name six songs that would exemplify Jim Reeves' talent, this would be my list. Sorry I had to leave out the other 30 + songs.

"Where Do I Go To Throw A Picture Away'' "I Never Pass There Anymore", "The Writings On The Wall", "Angels Don't Lie", "Somewhere Along The Line", "The One That Got Away". And an honorary mention to "Missing Angel", "I Won't Come In While He's There", and "A Nickel Piece Of Candy", one of Jim's happiest songs that will transport you to your childhood.

If only we could just once get these people to listen (with a headset) to just one , I am certain that is all it will take.

I certainly echo your sentiments Bob in the importance in reaching out to make contact. Maybe It will make no difference , but I will always try because Jim deserves this from us. He has given us so much !!

Re: Good Ol Roger Miller

Posted by Mike Slater <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Mike+Slater' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 3, 2025, 6:40 pm, in reply to "Re: Good Ol Roger Miller"

Excellent list of songs, Roy! It's hard for me to make a similar list because Jim recorded so many great songs, but I'll list some very favorites that immediately come to mind-- This Is It, In The Misty Moonlight, Snowflake, An Old Christmas Card, The Merry Christmas Polka(maybe the happiest song I've ever heard. Same as your opinion, Roy, of "A Nickel Piece Of Candy" which I agree is another great, happy song) Missing You, Diamonds In The Sand, Born To Be Lucky, Angels Don't Lie, Distant
Drums and...well, I have to stop here or I would just keep going. I know I'm leaving out many other favorites, but this is some of my very favorite songs that Jim recorded...

Re: Good Ol Roger Miller

Posted by Roy Zinck <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Roy+Zinck' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 3, 2025, 8:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Good Ol Roger Miller"

Thanks Mike for adding to the list. Yeah, it certainly was a struggle to mention just a few of Jim's songs without the temptation of filling the page.

If any else would like to jump on board this Freight Train hauling a cargo of songs.... WELCOME ABOARD !!

Re: Good Ol Roger Miller

Posted by Robert Wagner <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Robert+Wagner' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 4, 2025, 6:57 am, in reply to "Re: Good Ol Roger Miller"

Let's not forget Jim's "Talking To Your Heart". Another entire album filled with "Works of Art".

What other artists sounded so good with the spoken word. None!

When listening to the same songs by other artists there is simply no comparison.

One example is "We Could", a beautiful song I had played at my daughters wedding. The song faired better than her marriage.

Listen to the original by Little Jimmy Dickens for a stark comparison. I was actually surprised at how much better Jim's version was.

At least there a few of us still going strong here. Hope for the best.

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