The folks at American Road magazine have just published their "Rhythm and Cruise" issue, in which they've listed the "Best American Road Songs" of the past century. Here are the Rules of the Road for the song listings: 1) The song must have been written about an American road, street, or destination. That is, songs … Continue reading Magazine names best road tunes
Category: Music
In the Velvet Mood
Two voices, one piano and one very good bass player perform Bobby Troup's "Route 66." The group is called Velvet Mood.
Okie Twist-off was a hot time
It's safe to say that the first annual Okie Twist-off at the 66 Bowl in Oklahoma City was a success. Reports the Daily Oklahoman: The result was the largest crowd to swell at 66 Bowl since it opened in 1959, owner Jim Haynes said. With 750 individual wristbands sold for the first-time event, Beck said, … Continue reading Okie Twist-off was a hot time
Images from the road
Here's a new slide show of art and photos from Route 66. I don't know what singer or band is doing that jazzy version of "Route 66." If you know who it is, chime in in the comments section.
Retro fest
A few Oklahoma City aficionados of rockabilly and punk music, hot rods and pinups have been going to festivals of such ilk for years. Now they've decided to organize an annual festival of their own -- at the 66 Bowl on Route 66 in OKC, reports the Daily Oklahoman. The Okie Twist-off Kustom Culture Extravaganza … Continue reading Retro fest
“RV” cast gets its kicks
The film "RV" was a critical bomb, but one of its bright spots was that its cast sang Bobby Troup's "Route 66" at the end. Co-star Kristin Chenoweth is from Oklahoma, so she does the yodeling thing pretty well.
“Easy Rider’s” opening credits
Many a road trip on Route 66 has been inspired by the opening credits of the 1969 movie, "Easy Rider," with its sweeping cinematography by Laszlo Kovacs (who died a few days ago) and Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" pulsing over the soundtrack. Here it is: Longtime roadies will recognize a few Route 66 spots … Continue reading “Easy Rider’s” opening credits
Picking with Les Paul
Jazz singer Sonya Hensley performs "Route 66" with Les Paul. That Les Paul. This video is from a regular Monday night gig that Hensley and Paul have at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City. It sounds like Hensley is making up new lyrics on the spot. Watch Paul try to keep up with … Continue reading Picking with Les Paul
Sepia toned
Here's a video that's artificially "aged," with footage of Route 66 from Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. (No Kansas?) The music is "Route 66," as performed by the Nat King Cole Trio.
Riding on the freeway of love
Aretha Franklin's big hit from 1985 uses the freeway, aka interstates, as a metaphor. But the actual freeways shown in the music video don't look nearly as inviting as the footage of old Detroit cars. Also of note: That's Clarence Clemons, of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, playing saxophone. The song contains yet another reference … Continue reading Riding on the freeway of love