Someone a few weeks ago asked how many Route 66 tattoos were on the body of Ron "Tattoo Man" Jones of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. I said it was north of 100 but had no certainty, because Jones was liable to add one any given weekend. KTUL-TV in Tulsa caught up with Jones this week when he … Continue reading Ron “Tattoo Man” Jones is up to 162 skin markings
Category: Music
Joliet lukewarm to Route 66 The Road to Rock museum idea
A pitchman wants a Route 66 The Road to Rock museum in downtown Joliet, Illinois, but a few city officials seemed tepid to the idea -- especially the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Ron Romero proposed his idea -- which aims to pay homage to the musical heroes of Illinois -- to the Joliet City Council … Continue reading Joliet lukewarm to Route 66 The Road to Rock museum idea
Axl Rose wears Coral Court Motel shirt during St. Louis show
Among the many fascinating things that occurred during the Guns N' Roses concert Thursday in St. Louis was frontman Axl Rose wearing a Coral Court Motel T-shirt. For those unfamiliar, the Coral Court Motel was one of the most distinctive Art Deco motels along Route 66. It stood on the southwest side of St. Louis … Continue reading Axl Rose wears Coral Court Motel shirt during St. Louis show
Replacement festival opposed for Rockabilly on the Route
A proposal by a city official to organize a replacement festival for the discontinued Rockabilly on the Route music fest in Tucumcari, New Mexico, was tabled after Rockabilly's co-organizer said such a bid would be "theft" of intellectual property. Rockabilly on the Route organizers, however, said they were open on organizing a Route 66 festival … Continue reading Replacement festival opposed for Rockabilly on the Route
A film portrait of Harley Russell
I doubt you'll find a more candid or heartbreaking film about Harley Russell, one-half of the Mediocre Music Makers in Erick, Oklahoma, than this one. A description of the film: Despite living in the small town of Erick, Oklahoma and bordering on the edge of insanity, a self-proclaimed ‘mediocre music maker’ attracts visitors from around … Continue reading A film portrait of Harley Russell
Route 66 fan producing documentary on music scene of Springfield, Missouri
Dave Hoekstra, a big Route 66 fan for much of his 30-year career at the Chicago Sun-Times, is producing a film series about unheralded rich music scenes in the United States, including Springfield, Missouri. Titled "Song of an Unsung America," the film series delves into Springfield's importance as the site of television's "Ozark Jubilee" and … Continue reading Route 66 fan producing documentary on music scene of Springfield, Missouri
Hello from Australia
Here's a good performance of Bobby Troup's "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" by singer Linda Taylor and standup bassist Elsen Price. Both are based in Australia. This is recorded live in the studio, with no lip-syncing. With such a spare arrangement, you'd better be good. https://vimeo.com/220573124 Michal Imielski created the video. (Screen-capture image of … Continue reading Hello from Australia
Songs for “Cars 3” soundtrack announced
Disney-Pixar recently announced the songs and artists that will be on the eight-song "Cars 3" movie soundtrack. The songs include originals by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys and blues rocker ZZ Ward, four covers of classic songs and two instrumentals by country-music star Brad Paisley. Here's the track listing: "Run That Race" by Dan Auerbach "Ride" … Continue reading Songs for “Cars 3” soundtrack announced
Route 66 festival returns to Lebanon after seven-year hiatus
The Lebanon Route 66 Festival in Lebanon, Missouri, will return next month after a seven-year break, including a concert and gathering at the historic Munger Moss Motel. The Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society and the Lebanon Parks and Recreation Department are shepherding the festival, which is scheduled for June 16-17. The festival's theme will be … Continue reading Route 66 festival returns to Lebanon after seven-year hiatus
Rockabilly on the Route tickets giveaway
The fifth annual (and possibly last) Rockabilly on the Route in Tucumcari, New Mexico, will take place June 1-4, and we have six pairs of tickets to give away to see the live-music performers during the festival. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment at the bottom of this story and make sure you leave a … Continue reading Rockabilly on the Route tickets giveaway