“Life is a Highway” voted top road song

The Econo Lodge motel chain held a contest for the top-road song this summer, with 20,000 people casting their votes. This was No. 1. Yep. Tom Cochrane's 1991 hit beat 'em all. The fact Rascal Flatts had a big hit with its version as well -- and it was attached to a certain hit movie … Continue reading “Life is a Highway” voted top road song

More Rhythms of the Road

Brian Greene of Greene HD Productions has posted the seventh episode of "Rhythms of the Road," a musical revue that was filmed along Route 66. Stops in this episode included the U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas, and the Mediocre Music Makers of Erick, Okla. Greene says he's posting this episode to get more feedback. He … Continue reading More Rhythms of the Road

Rock ‘n’ roll film takes place on Route 66

There's a film being screened at the upcoming Woodstock Film Festival titled "The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll" that features a significant part of its plot on Route 66. Here's the film's Web site, and here's the synopsis: A pair of longtime friends channel their talent and passion for music into a cross-country road … Continue reading Rock ‘n’ roll film takes place on Route 66

Historic Mayo Hotel reopens in Tulsa

The iconic Mayo Hotel in downtown Tulsa, which had been shuttered for almost 30 years, held a limited "soft" opening Monday, reported the Tulsa World. The Mayo, at 115 W. Fifth St., is about two blocks from the downtown Route 66 alignment of Seventh Street. The Mayo dates to the 1920s, is listed on the … Continue reading Historic Mayo Hotel reopens in Tulsa

Live from Erick

Harley and Annabelle Russell, aka the Mediocre Music Makers, perform "Don't Be Angry" at their Sandhills Curiosity Shop just off Route 66 in Erick, Okla. It must have been hot that day; Harley didn't wear a shirt with his overalls.

The sad story of Chavez Ravine

Most people know of Chavez Ravine, located just off the Arroyo Seco Parkway (aka Route 66), as the site of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. But many don't know what was there before the baseball park. This video helps explain it. The saga inspired one of Ry Cooder's most-acclaimed albums, "Chavez Ravine."

Shuttered Winslow tavern is torn down

The long-closed Prairie Moon tavern in Winslow, Ariz., finally was torn down and the rubble hauled away a few days ago, reported AzJournal.com. Here's a photo of the bar before it was razed. According to several people quoted in the article, the Prairie Moon also was known for prostitution. Longtime Winslow resident Gabe Martinez grew … Continue reading Shuttered Winslow tavern is torn down

“Rhythms of the Road,” Episode One

As a follow-up to the story we had about Greene HD Productions and its efforts to get its musical series, "Rhythms of the Road," on television, the company has posted the show's first episode on Vimeo. Here it is: