Michael Wood shot footage in the barely breathing small burgs of the Texas Panhandle -- mostly in the Route 66 town of McLean -- and made a new video for Alan Jackson's country-music hit from 1999, "Little Man." https://youtu.be/KrTiUHlmCLs Warning: Even if you're familiar with the song, this video probably will pack a bigger emotional … Continue reading “Little Man”
Category: Music
Get your kicks with a ukelele
Doug Frink is a ukelele maniac, and he's got plenty of videos of him performing on that toy guitar. Here's his take on Bobby Troup's "Route 66." https://youtu.be/w-WvdAS3zyw If Frink actually shot the video on Route 66, I'm betting it was in Illinois.
“Route 66” meets The Simpsons
Russ Johnson of Canon City, Colo., noticed something familiar between Nelson Riddle's "Route 66" theme for the original 1960s television show and Danny Elfman's main theme for "The Simpsons." So he created a mashup of the two. It's a bit disorienting at times, but it does contain a few striking similarities in its melody and … Continue reading “Route 66” meets The Simpsons
“Stars in California”
This beautifully shot video, directed by M. Andrew Barrera, for "Stars in California" by Texas singer-songwriter Drew Kennedy was shot on several locales on Route 66, as you'll soon see. Drew Kennedy - "Stars in California" (Official Music Video) from M. Andrew Barrera on Vimeo. The song's pretty good, too.
Music straight from the barn
I bet you didn't know the historic Round Barn of Arcadia, Okla., hosts bluegrass music from noon to 6 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. If you're there, you might hear music by the likes of Burlap Tuxedo. https://youtu.be/ONJzIhvJSqg The loft of the Round Barn makes it ideal for acoustic musicians. The round … Continue reading Music straight from the barn
“Hotel California” takes some inspiration from the Mother Road
https://youtu.be/NUbTW928sMU It seems obvious when you think about it, but one of The Eagles' biggest hit singles, "Hotel California," took part of its inspiration from the band members' westward journeys on Route 66. That's according to one of the band's previous members, Don Felder, who was interviewed by Music Radar about the 1977 million-seller. Felder … Continue reading “Hotel California” takes some inspiration from the Mother Road
More Asleep at the Wheel
Heaven knows I've posted enough versions of Asleep At the Wheel's "Route 66." But this one is pretty special. It's an "Austin City Limits" taping during the western swing band's 25th anniversary. And you'll witness three piano players switching off on the boogie-woogie without a hitch. https://youtu.be/RZkiPRIcLD0
70 minutes of Nat King Cole
Sit back and enjoy this 1 hour, 10-minute collection of performances by Nat King Cole and his band. Cole was known for his velvety singing voice, but a number of tracks also show his skills at jazz piano. Cole popularized Bobby Troup's "Route 66" when it became a big hit in 1946. You can skip … Continue reading 70 minutes of Nat King Cole
A trip into the past
This is a special music video. Not only does it contain audio of live-in-concert performance of "Route 66" by Asleep At the Wheel during the 1970s, but it's interspersed with footage of Route 66 from a 1980s news report and vintage photos of the band. You'll even spot the U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas, a … Continue reading A trip into the past
Entertainers become entertained
Harley and Annabelle Russell, aka the Mediocre Music Makers, at the Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick, Okla., entertain Route 66 travelers who drop by their place. However, once in a blue moon, other musicians provide some entertainment for Harley and Annabelle. Recently, jazz guitarist Pat Kelley and saxophonist Monte Byrd did that during their RestStop Tours. … Continue reading Entertainers become entertained