The Museum’s latest exhibition, Roger Miller: Wit, Wisdom, and Wonder, supported by All Access Coach Leasing, opens November 6. Follow the story of the musical genius whose career earned him both the esteem of entertainment’s elite and the affection of the public.
Learn more about the life and career of Roger Miller, who was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1995.
Opening Weekend Program
On Saturday, November 7, meet at the Museum for a special opening weekend program. Museum writer-editor Erin Osmon will host a panel discussion featuring some of the people who knew Miller best—Mary Miller, the late musician’s wife; Bill Anderson, Country Music Hall of Fame member and close friend; and Randy Hart, Miller’s musical director and longtime bandleader.
Exhibit Highlights
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Fiddle and Case
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When Roger Miller was around ten years old, musician and actor Sheb Wooley, who was married to Roger’s cousin Melva at the time and lived nearby, bought him this fiddle.
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Drawing
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During his senior year in high school, Roger Miller drew this portrait of one of his musical heroes, Hank Williams.
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Flyer
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Roger Miller & the Western Skylighters performed at the American Legion Hall in Cheyenne, Oklahoma, January 16, 1954.
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Uniform
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Roger Miller wore this shirt while serving in the U.S. Army from March 1954 to March 1957. He was stationed in South Korea for a time, where he drove a Jeep and played in a country band with other soldiers.
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Guitar
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This 1963 Gibson C-1E Classic nylon-string model was Roger Miller’s primary guitar for most of the 1960s. He used it to write, record, and perform many of his biggest hits, including “King of the Road”.
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Manuscript and Statuette
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Roger Miller built this shadow box to house the credit card application, on which he started composing lyrics to “King of the Road,” and this wood carving of a hobo, which inspired him to finish writing “King of the Road.”
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Trophies
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Roger Miller won eleven Grammy awards in 1965 and 1966. In addition to Miller’s wins in nine country music categories, “King of the Road” earned him Grammys for Best Contemporary (Rock & Roll) Single and Best Contemporary (Rock & Roll) Vocal Performance, Male.
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Motorcycle
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Roger Miller purchased this Honda CA95 Benly Touring 150 motorcycle in 1965, following his financial windfall with the success of “Dang Me,” “Chug-a-Lug,” and “King of the Road.”
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Shirt
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Roger Miller wore this western shirt, designed by Manuel Cuevas, when he performed at a taping of Roger Miller: A Soundstage Special at WTTW Studios, Chicago, May 9, 1982.
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Trophy
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Roger Miller won this Tony award for “Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre: Big River, 1984–85.” The Broadway musical Big River, which he wrote all the songs for, won a total of seven Tonys.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
The exhibition Roger Miller: Wit, Wisdom, and Wonder supported by All Access Coach Leasing, runs Friday, November 6, 2026 through March, 2028, at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Nashville.