I just finished Chris Epting's 2007 book, "Led Zeppelin Crashed Here," subtitled "The Rock and Roll Landmarks of North America." It's the most comprehensive book I've read that lists famous rock history sites, venues of noteworthy concerts, where rock musicians died, their burial sites, locations of famous album covers, and rock-inspired museums. Epting's book will … Continue reading Rock ‘n’ roll landmarks on Route 66
Category: Road trips
Mother Road matchmaker
The Daily Mirror in London reports today that Paul McCartney plans to marry new American girlfriend Nancy Shevell. Shevell's divorce from her husband recently became final after she separated in 2007. The newspaper reports that McCartney's daughter Stella has given the green light for the former Beatle to marry. And apparently the Mother Road was … Continue reading Mother Road matchmaker
Book review: “The Leisure Seeker”
He has Alzheimer's disease. She has a serious case of cancer and has stopped taking the treatments. He's driving the family's late-1970s RV. She's riding shotgun and popping pain pills. He's subject to outbursts of anger and confusion. She's cynical and wistful. The elderly couple is going down Route 66 for a final vacation together. … Continue reading Book review: “The Leisure Seeker”
My, how times have changed
Today, "Route 66 Backroads" author Jim Hinckley sent me a link to a 1949 edition of the Negro Motorist Green Book. The guidebook says it provides a "list of hotels, boarding houses, restaurants, beauty shops, barber shops and various other services can most certainly help solve your travel problems. It was the idea of Victor … Continue reading My, how times have changed
“I have a dream”
NOTE: I posted this two years ago. Now, with a black man about to become president of the United States, it's worth looking at again. This is the full version of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. So what does King have to do with Route 66? Well, there's this … Continue reading “I have a dream”
Sights along the Southwest
Here's a couple's video of them touring Route 66 in Arizona and New Mexico. I like it because it contains footage beyond the usual vacation fare (checking out a well-stocked Mexican grocery in Albuquerque, for instance). And the 1970s song "Afternoon Delight" seems appropriate with the New Mexican landscape.
International hit
Drawing on the Daily Oklahoman's story a few days ago, the Christian Science Monitor further examines Route 66's increasing appeal to foreign travelers.
Route 66 draws in foreign travelers
An article in the Daily Oklahoman reiterates what we've been saying for months -- that Route 66 won't be as adversely affected by the weak U.S. economy as other tourism segments because of a boom in foreign visitors. "This year the overseas tourists are taking advantage of a weak U.S. dollar,” said Amanda Davis, Miami … Continue reading Route 66 draws in foreign travelers
Only in America
Here's a letter to the editor by Larry Matulich, which was printed in the Marysville (Calif.) Appeal-Democrat: Is there still a Ford in America’s future? Not only is the question for one American car company, it goes for GM and Chrysler too. The future of American truck and car brands like Ford, Chevy and Dodge, … Continue reading Only in America
Taking 66 in a ’66
The Post-Crescent in Wrightstown, Wis., has a story about the Butz family, who took a three-week journey on old Route 66 in a 1966 Chevrolet Impala. Here's a photo collection from the family's trip. The FAQs with the main story are informative for Mother Road novices, too.