Country artist Wayne “The Train” Hancock has displayed his love for Route 66 many times through his career. He has a Route 66 sticker on his guitar. He plays “Route 66” at his shows. His most famous song, “Thunderstorms and Neon Signs,” was reportedly inspired by a fortuitous van breakdown on Route 66 in Vega, Texas.
Hancock pulls out the stops for his love of the Mother Road on his newest album for Bloodshot Records, “Tulsa,” which is in stores today. Just check out the cover of “Tulsa” and the close-up shot of the Route 66 shield in the background.
On the back of the CD booklet is a road map of Tulsa, which has Route 66 featured prominently. It’s probably a map from the 1940s, as Oklahoma’s turnpike system isn’t on it yet.
This image is from the back of the CD case. I’m not sure where the “Tulsa City Limit” and Route 66 signs are. It wouldn’t surprise me if Todd Sanders at RoadsideRelics.com made them himself.
The artwork on the CD itself contains the two similar signs.
As for the music, it’s inspired by longtime Tulsa resident and Western swing pioneer Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. Hancock backs off of his usually strong vocal resemblance to Hank Williams; his singing is more relaxed and comfortable with the 1940s-style grooves on this record.
As for shows, Hancock gets around. You can check out his itinerary at this Pollstar listing. Hancock also plays several times a year at the Mercury Lounge in Tulsa, which is about seven blocks south of Route 66 in town.