Here's a version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" that I previously was unaware. It's a scene from the 1948 movie "Three Daring Daughters." I'm not positive, but I think it's Jane Powell and Ann Todd singing. The person who posted the video won't allow it to be embedded, but you can watch it by clicking … Continue reading Daring version
Category: Music
Another Amarillo song
After seeing my post about George Strait's "Amarillo by Morning," longtime roadie Becky Ransom alerted me of another hit song that prominently mentions the Texas Panhandle's largest city. It is Tony Christie's "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo," a worldwide hit in 1971 for the British singer. It was co-written by Neil Sedaka. The song … Continue reading Another Amarillo song
“Amarillo by Morning”
Country Music Hall of Fame member George Strait sings one of his biggest hits. This video looks like it comes from a 1980s taping of "Austin City Limits." "... I ain't rich, but Lord, I'm free ..."
“Lay back … enjoy the show”
Sheryl Crow tells us that "Everyday is a Winding Road." And sometimes it's more fun that way.
Sounds of the Southwest
Calexico's sound captures the feel of the desert Southwest better than any band out there. It's as if an alt-rock band was merged with a mariachi group.
For all small-town residents everywhere
Yeah, I know ... John Mellencamp's from Indiana, which isn't one of the Route 66 states. But he was born and raised in a small town, and his 1985 hit song by the same name (back when he still partly used his John Cougar stage name) captures the humility and pride of small-town people better … Continue reading For all small-town residents everywhere
Interactive art
A traveler stopped by the Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas. What's always been cool about this strange piece of artwork is it's not in a stuffy museum with armed guards making sure you don't touch it. Here, snow and rain falls on it. You can touch it, spray-paint it and even let your little dogs … Continue reading Interactive art
U2 in the “Heartland”
"Sixty-six a highway speaks Of deserts dry Of cool green valleys Gold and silver veins Of the shining cities ..." -- "Heartland," from U2's "Rattle and Hum" album. That was a period in which U2 was inspired by America's landscape, including the Route 66 country of the Mojave Desert. On a related note, the famed … Continue reading U2 in the “Heartland”
Free Fallin’
This is one of Tom Petty's biggest hits, and it takes place in the Route 66 country of Los Angeles.
A little levity …
... on this holiday. Here's a truck-driving song, although not a usual one. If you've clicked on it, you've probably already figured out the music is by this fellow.