Word came over Sunday afternoon that Grammy-winning singer Al Jarreau, whose vocal talents in jazz, R&B and pop were as treasured in the music industry as his excellent record sales, died in Los Angeles. Jarreau was 76. He was hospitalized and abruptly retired two weeks ago because of apparent health problems. Because of his jazz chops, I figured … Continue reading R.I.P., Al Jarreau
Trump policies may reduce Route 66 tourism by foreign travelers
A troubling sign has emerged that President Donald Trump's policies may reduce visits to the United States by foreigners -- a significant segment of Route 66 tourism. Hopper, a mobile application that analyzes billions of pieces of airfare data around the globe daily reports flight-search demand from international countries has fallen 17 percent overall since Trump's inauguration and his seven-nation … Continue reading Trump policies may reduce Route 66 tourism by foreign travelers
Tips for Route 66 tourism success
The Macoupin County Enquirer-Democrat published a comprehensive report about two experts giving a presentation in Gillespie, Illinois, about how to parlay Route 66 into tourism dollars. The experts were Bill Kelly, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, and Bill Thomas, economic development director for Logan County, tourism booster for Atlanta, Illinois, and chairman … Continue reading Tips for Route 66 tourism success
Springfield residents weigh in on improving Kearney Street
A few weeks ago, residents of Springfield, Missouri, filled out a survey in which the city asked what sort of improvements they wanted along the long-neglected Kearney Street corridor. Kearney Street was a part of Route 66 and for many years was considered the "cruising capital of the world." St. Louis-based PGAV recently presented the … Continue reading Springfield residents weigh in on improving Kearney Street
Sun ‘n Sand Motel may reopen later this year
The closed Sun 'n Sand Motel in Santa Rosa, New Mexico -- best known for its huge, orange neon sign -- has a new owner who hopes to reopen the Route 66 establishment sometime in 2017. The Feb. 2 print edition of The Communicator newspaper, based in Santa Rosa, reports the new owner is Dipak Shah of Kadam … Continue reading Sun ‘n Sand Motel may reopen later this year
Congressman introduces bill to make Route 66 a National Historic Trail
A congressman from Illinois has introduced a bill that would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail under the auspices of the National Park Service. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) recently introduced bill H.R. 801 to amend the National Trails System Act to create a Route 66 National Historic Trail. U.S. Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-Calif.), a senior … Continue reading Congressman introduces bill to make Route 66 a National Historic Trail
Trash a chronic problem under Tulsa’s 11th Street Bridge
A chronic problem with garbage under Tulsa's historic 11th Street Bridge and the nearby Interstate 244 bridge has festered for weeks, apparently because the city isn't sure what department is responsible for cleanup. Local physician Vicki C. Baker emailed me last week: The area under the 11th street/I-244 bridge sorely needs attention. RiverParks tells me … Continue reading Trash a chronic problem under Tulsa’s 11th Street Bridge
Rockabilly on the Route festival to take a hiatus in 2018
Organizers of Rockabilly on the Route in Tucumcari, New Mexico, will take an indefinite break from the music festival starting in 2018 to reassess its future -- including the possibility of taking it on the road. Organizers on the Rockabilly on the Route official Facebook page posted Monday the 2017 festival on June 1-4 would be the … Continue reading Rockabilly on the Route festival to take a hiatus in 2018
Tulsa flower shop still going after 82 years
A flower shop along Route 66 in Tulsa has operated there since 1935, and apparently it will for at least a while longer. Burnett's Flowers and Gifts at 4322 E. 11th St. (aka Route 66) recently changed hands, and the new owner thinks he's found a new way to sell flowers and keep the business … Continue reading Tulsa flower shop still going after 82 years
Readers vote Nat King Cole as recording the best version of “Route 66”
A little more than a year ago, I posted a story and online readers poll about the many versions of "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" over the decades. I promised a follow-up on the top vote-getter within a week or so. Then, I promptly forgot about it ... for more than a year. The … Continue reading Readers vote Nat King Cole as recording the best version of “Route 66”