The Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M., will feature a greatly expanded Rockabilly on the Route festival on June 5-8, according to a news release from the organizers. According to an email from co-producer Simon Cantlon: With a whopping 18 bands from across the country, Colombia and Norway, classic car show, Route 66 cruise, burn-out, … Continue reading Tucumcari expands rockabilly festival
Category: Music
Hello from Poland
Here's a version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" by Lucky Band, based in Poland. https://youtu.be/46qMJMr5Ya8 It's amazing how this song is literally all over the globe. I need to count the number of countries have posted versions of "Route 66" on YouTube.
Hello from Germany
The Ron Evans Group, a rock and blues group based in Germany, gets people's feet moving with a version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" at a nightclub. https://youtu.be/-C4ogzMnOFk In case you're wondering how an American-sounding name such as Ron Evans ended up in Germany, he is the son of a German mother and an English … Continue reading Hello from Germany
Elvis driving old Route 66 in Arizona
There's not much of a description to this video, except we know it's primarily Elvis Presley visiting Meteor Crater off Route 66 in Arizona in June 1967. All of the footage appears to be home movies. You'll also see glimpses the American Indian souvenir shops -- including Chief Yellowhorse's -- at the New Mexico-Arizona state line, … Continue reading Elvis driving old Route 66 in Arizona
“Route 66” on a cigar-box guitar
David Vidal shows what he can do with Bobby Troup's "Route 66" on a cigar-box guitar (with a resonator) and a harmonica. https://youtu.be/7uqZruHIKqc As I've long note, Troup's tune is endlessly malleable. (Video by Ace Jackalope)
Hello from Transylvania
Another music tune today. Here's band called Night Losers, based in the Transylvania section of Romania, that combine folk-rock with traditional music. https://youtu.be/sJST9wzheLs (Hat tip: Denny Gibson)
A blues player’s take on “Route 66”
Frank Kocevar of Historic Seligman Sundries passed along this version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" performed by blues musician Paul J. Miles. https://youtu.be/GUrET77DjuA Yes, he messed up one of the lyrics. But, as Kocevar did, I found Miles' enthusiasm infectious.
Hello from Japan
For more of a punk-rock feel of Bobby Troup's famous road song, here are The Virgins of Japan performing "Route 66." https://youtu.be/h9rn9oSCXa4 Sounds like they gobbled a fistful of trucker speed before going into the studio.
El Rey Theater in Albuquerque closes
The historic El Rey Theater in downtown Albuquerque closed a few days ago because the operator was encountering cash-flow problems with another venture, according to KOB-TV. Here's the station's report: The report makes it clear that El Rey, located on Central Avenue (aka Route 66), could reopen quickly if another operators signs a lease there. … Continue reading El Rey Theater in Albuquerque closes
“Route 66,” mariachi style
Trio Ellas is all-female Latin-American mariachi group based in Los Angeles. Here they are in Fresno, Calif., performing Bobby Troup's best-known song. https://youtu.be/xgg5KZcDBhw I checked out the rest of the band's music on its website. Most of the songs are in Spanish, naturally. But the collection also contains an excellent version of Roy Orbison's "Crying." If … Continue reading “Route 66,” mariachi style