Although Roger Miller is best known for his 1960s country-pop hits (most notably "King of the Road" and "Dang Me"), the Texas-born singer/songwriter received acclaim--and a Tony Award--late in his life for his work on the 1985 Broadway musical BIG RIVER: THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN. From its orchestral, bluegrass-tinged opening "Overture" to its celebratory closing, "Muddy Water (Reprise)," the production deftly fuses Mark Twain's timeless story with Miller's effortlessly charming, easy-going sensibility, as best revealed on the gentle, yearning "Waitin' for the Light to Shine" (performed by Cat Stevens sound-alike Daniel H. Jenkins as Huck) and the thoughtful duet "River in the Rain" (which also features Ron Richardson as Jim). Sadly, Miller died in '92, while only in his mid-50s, leaving BIG RIVER as his last major achievement. Though Miller doesn't sing on the album, it marks a latter-day high point in his relatively short but impressive career, and is recommended listening for his devoted fans.