Herbert B. Leonard, a producer of television shows, including the acclaimed "Route 66," died at the age of 84 on Saturday. Here's an obituary from the Los Angeles Times. (No story from the Associated Press yet; the Times must have had a scoop.) The Times had this to say about Leonard and his "Route 66" … Continue reading Producer of “Route 66” TV series dies
“Route 66” in sound and light
This is video of Kari Simmons and Todd Lowry Ensemble, based in Albuquerque. They perform a jazzy version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66," and the footage is sprinkled with night images of that town's Route 66 neon lights. Nice job.
Get your kitsch
Helped by Brian and Sarah Butko and their 2005 book "Roadside Giants," USA Today lists the top 10 oversized roadside icons in America. One of them is the Gemini Giant, which is part of the Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant on Route 66 in Wilmington, Ill. Also, just a few miles from Route 66 in Inglewood, … Continue reading Get your kitsch
Lancia Club tours Mother Road
Here's a Mother Road tour I didn't hear about beforehand -- the Lancia Club of Italy is touring Route 66 right now. The Santa Fe New Mexican caught up with the group when it made its stop in New Mexico's capital.
Route 66 State Park to host open house
The Route 66 State Park near Eureka, Mo., is holding an open house from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the visitors' center. The park wants public comments and suggestions on how the grounds are run. Route 66 author Shellee Graham will make a presentation about the defunct Coral Court Motel at 1 p.m. and … Continue reading Route 66 State Park to host open house
Couple finishes their dream trip
The Independent in Masillon, Ohio, tells about Bill and Flo McKinney, who climbed on the back of a Kawasaki motorcycle and traveled 6,100 miles throughout America, including Route 66. When they were hungry, they stopped at small retro diners along Route 66. When they were tired, they’d look for the cleanest motel room in town … Continue reading Couple finishes their dream trip
Wayne “The Train” Hancock plugs Route 66 again
In this lengthy interview with The Independent in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., hillbilly swing singer Wayne "The Train" Hancock again professes his love for the Mother Road. Here are some excerpts: "My thing is I try to stay off the interstates as much as I can. Each tour, I try to route us almost like a vacation. … Continue reading Wayne “The Train” Hancock plugs Route 66 again
“Popularity Contest” contestant is building a restaurant on Route 66
Last spring, you may have watched a reality show on CMT called "Popularity Contest." In it, 10 contestants from the big city were plopped down in the Route 66 town of Vega, Texas, to win over residents and vie for a $100,000 prize they would split with one Vega citizen. The Chicago baseball scout, Alex … Continue reading “Popularity Contest” contestant is building a restaurant on Route 66
Rolla may host Tour of Missouri bicycle race
The Rolla (Mo.) Daily News reports that although the course for the inaugural Tour of Missouri professional bicycling race in 2007 hasn't been set, it appears that Rolla has a good shot at being one of the towns it will traverse. The Tour of Missouri is expected to cover roughly 600 miles, and highlight urban … Continue reading Rolla may host Tour of Missouri bicycle race
Depeche Mode’s version of “Route 66”
I dunno if this video's an official one from Depeche Mode, but the music certainly sounds like it.