Bandleader Joe Loesch recently uploaded a series of four videos about the genesis of The Road Crew, a quartet that's written a slew of Route 66-related songs and performed at Route 66 events and festivals. It's fascinating, because the videos show Loesch's roots with the Mother Road are deeper than you might expect, dating all … Continue reading The story behind the rise of The Road Crew
Category: Music
Singer’s music video shot at Albuquerque Route 66 sites
Pop singer Bebe Rexha and country-pop duo Florida Georgia Line recently released a music video shot at two Route 66 sites in Albuquerque. Rexha's "Meant to Be" video was released Oct. 23 to YouTube. It's racked up millions of views and reached the top 10 of the iTunes chart. Featured in the video are the Grandview … Continue reading Singer’s music video shot at Albuquerque Route 66 sites
Tom Petty, R.I.P.
Word came down late Monday that rock 'n' roll legend Tom Petty died after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Southern California home. He was 66. I'll let others wax poetic about his marvelous career, including one of my favorite music writers at the Chicago Tribune. But it's almost a given Tom Petty and his … Continue reading Tom Petty, R.I.P.
George Strait concert booked in Tulsa with a Route 66 twist
The BOK Center in Tulsa announced Monday that country-music superstar George Strait would perform a concert there June 2, 2018. But it's not just any concert. Strait retired from touring a few years ago and plays only a handful of dates annually. He's booked only two shows in 2018, so this will be a hot … Continue reading George Strait concert booked in Tulsa with a Route 66 twist
Leon Russell’s Church Studio named to National Register
Church Studio in Tulsa, once owned by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Leon Russell, recently earned a designation to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation became effective Sept. 8, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. It had been widely expected after its National Register submission to Washington … Continue reading Leon Russell’s Church Studio named to National Register
Charley Pride returns to Route 66 with new song
Country-music legend Charley Pride recently released a well-received album titled "Music in My Heart." Not only does the 83-year-old Pride sound good, but he musically returns to Route 66 with a cover of a semi-obscure Merle Haggard tune, "The Way It Was in '51." The first line of the song is: "Sixty-Six was still a … Continue reading Charley Pride returns to Route 66 with new song
Don Williams, R.I.P.
Don Williams, a member of Country Music Hall of Fame who became a superstar during the late 1970s and early 1980s, died Friday. He was 78. His publicist told the New York Times that Williams died of emphysema. Williams was known for his smooth baritone voice, plain-spoken lyrics and understated arrangements on many of his … Continue reading Don Williams, R.I.P.
Round Barn Rendezvous set for Sunday in Arcadia
Those who travel to the Round Barn of Arcadia, Oklahoma, on Sunday afternoon are in for a treat -- the historic Route 66 site is hosting a Round Barn Rendezvous music event. All acoustic musicians are invited from noon to 4 p.m. One flyer states: "All banjo players are welcome." A display of antique tractors and … Continue reading Round Barn Rendezvous set for Sunday in Arcadia
Museum Club in Flagstaff closes abruptly
The Museum Club, a Route 66 landmark in Flagstaff, Arizona, since 1931, closed with little warning Monday night, and its future appears uncertain. The Facebook page for the Museum Club posted this message about midday Monday: NO MEMORABILIA IS BEING SOLD INDIVIDUALLY OR IS ANYTHING BEING ALLOWED TO BE REMOVED FROM THE MUSEUM CLUB!!! YES … Continue reading Museum Club in Flagstaff closes abruptly
Japanese pop group Exile the Second produces “Route 66” video
Exile the Second, a pop-music band based in Japan, recently released a teaser music video for the group's upcoming single, "Route 66." In case you're wondering, the song bears no resemblance to the Bobby Troup-written classic of the same title. This video uploaded to YouTube isn't the full video, either, but a teaser of about … Continue reading Japanese pop group Exile the Second produces “Route 66” video