Search Results for: Bobby Troup

Asleep At the Wheel releases new version of “Route 66” for 50th-anniversary album

Western swing band Asleep At the Wheel last week released an album that marks its 50th anniversary, “Half of a Hundred Years,” that includes a new version of “Route 66.” The new cut of “Route 66” includes guest vocalists Leroy Preston and Johnny Nicholas to accompany the band’s longtime lead singer, Ray Benson. Preston was … Continue reading Asleep At the Wheel releases new version of “Route 66” for 50th-anniversary album

Nat King Cole among new inductees at Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66

The Joliet-based Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 recently announced its third class of inductees, and one of them made a key impact on Route 66 itself. That would be Nat King Cole, who was born in Alabama but spent his formative years in Chicago. He popularized “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” … Continue reading Nat King Cole among new inductees at Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66

Artificial intelligence program brings deceased Route 66 figures seemingly to life

A few weeks ago, the MyHeritage genealogy website released an artificial intelligence program called Deep Nostalgia. It takes still photographs of people, analyzes them and animates their faces in a lifelike way by making them seemingly blink their eyes, move their heads and make subtle movements with their lips. The effect often proves amazing, unsettling … Continue reading Artificial intelligence program brings deceased Route 66 figures seemingly to life

New exhibit at Joplin examines Route 66’s impact on culture

A new exhibit at an arts center in Joplin, Missouri, examines the cross-cultural impact of Route 66 from a native of that town. “Route 66: Crossing Cultural Lines,” curated by artist and former American Jazz Museum curator Sara Sonié Joi Thompson-Ruffin, will be in the main gallery of the Spiva Center for the Arts in … Continue reading New exhibit at Joplin examines Route 66’s impact on culture

Hal Blaine, drummer on dozens of hit records, dies at 90

Hal Blaine, a member of the Los Angeles-based Wrecking Crew of studio musicians who played drums on thousands of songs during the 1960s and ’70s, died Monday. He was 90. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member played on albums by Frank Sinatra, Simon & Garfunkel, Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, the … Continue reading Hal Blaine, drummer on dozens of hit records, dies at 90

Cynthia Troup’s role in “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66”

The story behind the now-iconic song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” is Bobby Troup and his wife, Cynthia Troup, were traveling west on that highway to California in 1946 when she came up with the line “Get your kicks on Route 66.” Bobby Troup finished the rest of the song, pitched it to Nat … Continue reading Cynthia Troup’s role in “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66”

Chuck Berry, R.I.P.

Word came over Saturday afternoon that Chuck Berry, the Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll, died at his home near Wentzville, Missouri, west of St. Louis, at age 90. Local authorities didn’t give a cause of death, but Chuck’s son said his father had ailed from pneumonia in recent weeks. Berry was best-known writing and performing … Continue reading Chuck Berry, R.I.P.

Book review: “Secret Route 66”

Here’s where you know Jim Ross and Shellee Graham’s new book, “Secret Route 66,” is a success: Not only did they uncover more than a dozen obscure tidbits from the Mother Road that escaped my notice, I jumped into my car to search for one that was nearby. Subtitled “A Guide to the Weird,Wonderful and … Continue reading Book review: “Secret Route 66”

Happy 90th birthday, Route 66!

Today — which also happens to be Veterans Day — marks the 90th birthday of the official existence of U.S. Highway 66, better known as Route 66. Nov. 11, 1926, was the day the American Association of State Highway Officials formally adopted the 2,448-mile path from Chicago to Los Angeles and number for U.S. Highway … Continue reading Happy 90th birthday, Route 66!

What is the best version of the “Route 66” song?

Hundreds of versions exist of Bobby Troup’s song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,” better known simply as “Route 66,” that he wrote during a cross-country trip on that highway after World War II. Route 66 News has posted dozens of versions of the “Route 66” song. It’s time to take stock and see which version … Continue reading What is the best version of the “Route 66” song?