Category: Music

“Cattleman’s Cafe”

Erik Holien of Norway spent time in the legendary Cattleman's Cafe on Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas, and was inspired to write a song about it. The video contains footage from the restaurant and other Panhandle scenes, including the Route 66 ghost town of Glenrio.

Michael Martin Murphey playing benefit for Route 66 center

Veteran country-music star Michael Martin Murphey is performing another benefit concert for the Route 66 Interpretive Center of Chandler, Okla., on April 16. Murphey played a benefit for the center last year about this time. Apparently he is scheduled to be in Oklahoma City that week for an annual awards presentation at the National Cowboy … Continue reading Michael Martin Murphey playing benefit for Route 66 center

Neil Young’s recession blues

Cruising down the road and the economic recession seem to be on Neil Young's mind during his new album, "Fork in the Road." Lyrics to each of the 10 songs and four videos from the album are on Young's site here. On most of the songs I heard, Young straps on his trusty Old Black … Continue reading Neil Young’s recession blues

“What Have They Done to Route 66”

This is a song by folksinger Bill Dobbins. It doesn't contain much material about the actual Route 66. It's a highway song that serves, I think, as a metaphor about getting old. Lyrics for the song are here.

Hello from Tulsa

Longtime Tulsans know about him, and those who attended the awards banquet during the 2004 Route 66 Festival probably remember him. This is Chuck Cissel, performing "Route 66" at the Riverparks Amphitheater in Tulsa. Cissel forged a nice career on Broadway and the music industry before returning to his hometown. Cissel is also CEO of … Continue reading Hello from Tulsa

Salute to a King

Today is what would have been the 90th birthday of singer and jazz pianist Nat King Cole, whose version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" became a big hit in 1946 and helped inspire generations to explore the Mother Road. A number of news outlets have published tributes to the man, including the Los Angeles Times, … Continue reading Salute to a King

Manhattan Transfer goes Mother Roading

I know I've posted videos of the Manhattan Transfer performing Bobby Troup's "Route 66" before. However, this is a performance done from just last year, for the group's "35th Anniversary -- Great American Songbook" DVD. The singing, as usual, is marvelous. And the piano backing is excellent, too.

Hello from Nashville

Here is Angela Siracusa, singing a Western swing-influenced version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66." This performance was taped at The Billy Block Show.