"66 Days on Route 66," a documentary about Australian folk-rocker Grayson's musical tour of Route 66 in 2011, will make its debut on iTunes on Thursday, reported the Newcastle Herald in Australia. The film's world debut on the Fourth of July was intentional, methinks. Hopefully, American readers will be able to download or rent the … Continue reading Rocker’s Route 66 documentary debuts on iTunes tomorrow
Category: Music
George Benson’s tribute to Nat King Cole
I've read a lot of warm reviews in recent weeks for jazz artist George Benson's latest album, "Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole." Naturally, if you're going to record a tribute to Cole, you have to record "Route 66," written by Bobby Troup. It was one of Cole's early hits, back in 1946. This … Continue reading George Benson’s tribute to Nat King Cole
“American Ride”
Take a road trip -- or several -- with Willie Nile in this new music video, where you'll catch glimpses of Route 66 and other great American roads. https://youtu.be/Cs0HtfYvq_Q (Hat tip: Michael Wallis)
Palm Springs Follies entering its final season
https://youtu.be/qSjRQQ3lHiM The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, which devoted an entire season to the history and culture of Route 66, announced Thursday it was entering its 23rd and final season, "The Last Hurrah!" The last performance will be May 18, 2014, at the Historic Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, Calif. The Follies' longtime producer and co-director, Riff … Continue reading Palm Springs Follies entering its final season
Park near Standin’ On a Corner awaits grant
The Route 66 Plaza park, behind the Standin' on a Corner Park in Winslow, Ariz., is awaiting $488,000 from the Arizona Department of Transportation’s National Scenic Grant Fund to finish the project, reported the Arizona Journal. When the funds are available, a performance stage, lighting, street furniture, including benches. and signage will complete that city park. … Continue reading Park near Standin’ On a Corner awaits grant
The original Fabulous Thunderbirds
Before the Fabulous Thunderbirds formed in Texas in the 1970s, there was another Fabulous Thunderbirds rock band out of New Mexico during the mid-1960s. According to one well-researched online source, the Thunderbirds' version of Bobby Troup's song was released in 1965 on Red Feather Records in Albuquerque: https://youtu.be/KE4ti9-nLm0 More from Popsike.com: Legend has it that … Continue reading The original Fabulous Thunderbirds
Perry Como’s version of “Route 66”
Here's a version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" you may not have heard. Perry Como gave it a whirl in 1959, with additional lyrics. Perry Como - Route 66 from Jeroen Boersma on Vimeo.
Road Crew records song for Joplin festival
As it's done for other Route 66-related gatherings, The Road Crew has recorded a new song for the upcoming International Route 66 Festival in Joplin, Mo. It's titled "Boppin' in Joplin," and, yes, it's very Route 66-centric: The Road Crew also will be performing during the festival. Here's the promotional poster for its gigs. You … Continue reading Road Crew records song for Joplin festival
Rolling Stones played first American show in San Berdoo
On the same weekend the Rolling Stones played a gig in Los Angeles during their 50th-anniversary tour, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reported this fact -- the Stones' first show in the United States took place in the Route 66 town of San Bernardino, Calif. Local promoter Bob Lewis said the Stones' show on June … Continue reading Rolling Stones played first American show in San Berdoo
Music video shot at the Blue Swallow Motel
These teenage triplets, called Emma Rose and The Band, shot a lot of footage at the historic Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, N.M., for their music video for "Shooting Star." https://youtu.be/SceR2B2B9-0 You can check out the Atlanta group's other music clips on its YouTube channel.