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
Category: Music
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.
“Route 66” in the country
Pam Perry sings more of a country-music version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" at the Renfro Valley Barn Dance in Kentucky, which has a long history of its own.
Poolside kicks
This is a band of apparent high-schoolers called Just in Time 2, which according to the YouTube poster is based in Great Britain. The singer misses a cue, and a few sour notes are heard. But the piano player sounds like he's been taking lessons from Johnnie Johnson, and it's hard to resist the sense … Continue reading Poolside kicks
Winslow takes it easy
The Christian Science Monitor tells the story of how the Route 66 town of Winslow, Ariz., has capitalized on The Eagles' song "Take It Easy" and its mention of a certain corner. The Monitor says Winslow didn't start to cash in on the song until 1997. I'm surprised it waited that long, as "Take It … Continue reading Winslow takes it easy