Country-music legend Charley Pride recently released a well-received album titled "Music in My Heart." Not only does the 83-year-old Pride sound good, but he musically returns to Route 66 with a cover of a semi-obscure Merle Haggard tune, "The Way It Was in '51." The first line of the song is: "Sixty-Six was still a … Continue reading Charley Pride returns to Route 66 with new song
Don Williams, R.I.P.
Don Williams, a member of Country Music Hall of Fame who became a superstar during the late 1970s and early 1980s, died Friday. He was 78. His publicist told the New York Times that Williams died of emphysema. Williams was known for his smooth baritone voice, plain-spoken lyrics and understated arrangements on many of his … Continue reading Don Williams, R.I.P.
Round Barn Rendezvous set for Sunday in Arcadia
Those who travel to the Round Barn of Arcadia, Oklahoma, on Sunday afternoon are in for a treat -- the historic Route 66 site is hosting a Round Barn Rendezvous music event. All acoustic musicians are invited from noon to 4 p.m. One flyer states: "All banjo players are welcome." A display of antique tractors and … Continue reading Round Barn Rendezvous set for Sunday in Arcadia
A clue surfaces in the Country Classic Cars fire
The cause of a fire that destroyed dozens of vintage cars and a large building last month at Country Classic Cars near Staunton, Illinois, remains undetermined, but a new report reveals one possibility. An insurance-industry publication called Claims Journal this week reported interesting facts about the blaze: --- The fire destroyed a total of 143 cars in … Continue reading A clue surfaces in the Country Classic Cars fire
Antique military vehicle convoy on Route 66 begins Sept. 16
People along the length of the Mother Road soon will be treated to a unique sight -- a convoy of up to 80 vintage military vehicles making that Chicago-to-Santa Monica trip. The Military Vehicle Preservation Association will begin its 29-day, 2,400-mile journey from the Windy City on Sept. 16 along all the 1926 alignments of Route … Continue reading Antique military vehicle convoy on Route 66 begins Sept. 16
Community meeting set for Sept. 18 over Classen Circle
A community hearing over the fate of the historic Classen Circle in Oklahoma City will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Crown Heights Christian Church in the city. According to The Oklahoman newspaper, city councilman Ed Shadid announced the meeting late last week. The Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy chain had promised such a … Continue reading Community meeting set for Sept. 18 over Classen Circle
“CAFE” window panes apparently stolen from Glenrio landmark
It's a relatively small loss in the scheme of things. But many Route 66 enthusiasts still were deeply disappointed to learn Monday four window panes that spelled "CAFE" at the long-abandoned Longhorn Cafe in Glenrio, Texas, recently were stolen. Nick Gerlich noticed the missing glass during a visit to the Route 66 ghost town along … Continue reading “CAFE” window panes apparently stolen from Glenrio landmark
Museum Club in Flagstaff closes abruptly
The Museum Club, a Route 66 landmark in Flagstaff, Arizona, since 1931, closed with little warning Monday night, and its future appears uncertain. The Facebook page for the Museum Club posted this message about midday Monday: NO MEMORABILIA IS BEING SOLD INDIVIDUALLY OR IS ANYTHING BEING ALLOWED TO BE REMOVED FROM THE MUSEUM CLUB!!! YES … Continue reading Museum Club in Flagstaff closes abruptly
“The Leisure Seeker” gets mediocre reviews at Venice film festival
Several film critics who saw the premiere of "The Leisure Seeker," starring Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren, at the Venice Film Festival over the weekend gave it middling reviews, but it apparently will be sent to the bigger Toronto Film Festival and essentially has landed worldwide distribution rights in theaters. The bones of "The Leisure … Continue reading “The Leisure Seeker” gets mediocre reviews at Venice film festival
Longtime California Route 66 museum volunteer Chick Kirk dies
Chick Kirk, 87, a longtime volunteer who greeted thousands of tourists at the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville over the years, died Aug. 27. Kirk, whose real name was Charlotte, and fellow longtime volunteer Betty Halbe worked side by side at the museum, reported the Victorville Daily Press. Together, Chick Kirk and Halbe were … Continue reading Longtime California Route 66 museum volunteer Chick Kirk dies