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
Category: Music
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
Ron “Tattoo Man” Jones is up to 162 skin markings
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
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