Author: Ron Warnick

I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.

Notes from the road

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has nominated the Route 66 city of St. Louis as one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations, it was announced this week. Such destinations "offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment … Continue reading Notes from the road

Kicks with King of the Jukebox

Here's a sizzling version of "Route 66" by jump blues artist Louis "King of the Jukebox" Jordan in 1958. Singing is Dorothy Smith, who does some swell improvisation with the lyrics. https://www.louisjordan.com/

A story with long legs

Many, many people have traveled Route 66 in a number of ways -- walking, running, driving and more. However, this one has to be a first. French native Manu Cuadra is beginning his journey this spring on the Mother Road from Chicago to Santa Monica ... on stilts. He plans on covering 70 kilometers (43 … Continue reading A story with long legs

More Harley & Annabelle

Here's a new video of Harley and Annabelle Russell at the Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick, Okla., performing "Route 66." Save for Harley half-doing the splits during the song's conclusion, it's mostly the same schtick during the song that the two have been doing for years. But it still brings a smile to my face.

Dew it to it

Here's a blast from the past: an altered version of "Route 66" (for reasons that will be apparent) by John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols, for a Mountain Dew ad in 1996.

Route 66 in miniature

Willem Bor of the Netherlands is a big Route 66 fan, and has decided to make models of landmarks along the Mother Road. The models are in 1/25 scale. Here's one of Lucille's near Hydro, Okla.: Here's one of the 66 Super Service Station near Alanreed, Texas: These amazingly intricate and accurate models are not … Continue reading Route 66 in miniature

Hosea and the harlot

Here's the latest entry of "Route 66: A Road Trip through the Bible." It's the book of Hosea, and it features a character named Gomer -- and not Gomer Pyle.

Book about U.S. 89 published

We at Route 66 News concentrate on news concerning the Mother Road, but occasionally pay attention to developments about other historic two-lane highways. So it is with interest that we take note of a new photo-and-essay book by Ann Torrence titled "U.S. Highway 89: The Scenic Route to Seven Western National Parks" (Sagebrush Press, 160 … Continue reading Book about U.S. 89 published

Grants property nominated as historic site

Charlie's Radiator Service, a business that was established in the 1940s on Route 66 in Grants, N.M., was nominated as a state historic site, reported the Cibola County Beacon. The designation would make it eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. On the west end of Grants, Charles Diaz opened Charley's Automotive Service in … Continue reading Grants property nominated as historic site