Living in Tijeras Time

While driving on old Route 66 to Albuquerque during the weekend, we stumbled onto the Tijeras Open-Air Arts Market in the mountain town of Tijeras, N.M. It's on the grounds the Imagine Gallery and Coffee House. There, we saw a mix of paintings, pottery, sculpture and photographs. There also were locally grown apples and barbed-wire … Continue reading Living in Tijeras Time

More Asleep at the Wheel

There's already a couple of Asleep at the Wheel videos and the band's version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" on this site. But another dose of Western swing can't hurt. This performance is from a show in France in 2004.

“Route 66” radio show coming to KMOX

A Saturday night music show, titled "Route 66," soon will air on St. Louis' flagship radio station, KMOX-AM. This was initially reported on the STLmedia.net rumor site Tuesday. KMOX account executive Randy Raley confirmed it in an e-mail Wednesday and added that he's "thrilled" to host the show. Here's the announcement in a news release … Continue reading “Route 66” radio show coming to KMOX

Standin’ on a Corner Festival more than just a party

The Arizona Republic published an excellent preview about this weekend's Standin' on a Corner Festival in the Route 66 town of Winslow, Ariz. Unless you've not heard pop radio in the past 30-some years, you know that Winslow's claim to fame is being mentioned in the Eagles' hit song, "Take It Easy," co-written by Jackson … Continue reading Standin’ on a Corner Festival more than just a party

Getting ready in Springfield

The sixth annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in Springfield, Ill., isn't until next weekend, but the Springfield Journal-Register is already hyping it up. A few changes: First, after a two-year hiatus, the sock hop is back in the Prairie Capital Convention Center with Frankie Avalon as the headliner. Tickets are $16 to $26. … Continue reading Getting ready in Springfield

More Stones kicks

Here's a clip of the Rolling Stones performing Bobby Troup's "Route 66" during a Charlotte concert in 1999. Except for some wobbling in the middle, it's a pretty decent audience video.

Les Paul’s Route 66 accident changed pop music

Here's something I didn't know -- if it wasn't for a car accident on Route 66 near Davenport, Okla., in 1948, Les Paul might have never come up with the inventions that changed pop music. According to the Daily Oklahoman: The injuries he suffered nearly ended his career and put him flat on his back … Continue reading Les Paul’s Route 66 accident changed pop music

Revving up for the Rendezvous

The Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino, Calif., isn't until next weekend, but two area newspapers are already publishing preview articles about the massive classic-car event. First is the Yucaipa New Mirror's story. Next is the Highland Community News story. Outside of all the wonderful cars that will be there, the best bet during the … Continue reading Revving up for the Rendezvous

Twist-off like we did last summer

An Oklahoma City television station did a nice segment on the recent Okie Twist-off event at the 66 Bowl. The Twist-off was such a success, the organizers are already planning one in 2008.

George Maharis, singer?

Apparently so. Check out these videos of an old jukebox playing one of his old 45s. According to AllMusic.com, the "Route 66" television star released two albums in 1962. The Collectibles label combined the two into one compact disc in 2000. And, yes, Bobby Troup's "Route 66" is one of the songs that Maharis recorded.