The man behind the Cadillac Ranch

Here's a short video documentary by filmmaker Todd Kent about Amarillo tycoon Stanley Marsh 3, who led the creation of Cadillac Ranch and other whimsical art installations in the region. The film is a few years old, but it was just posted on YouTube today.

Why helmets are a good idea on two wheels

In a column in The Telegraph about cycling, British endurance athlete and gold-medalist rower James Cracknell writes more about the accident last summer on Route 66 in Arizona that nearly took his life. Cracknell's tale illustrates why riders should wear a helmet: Despite being lit up like a Christmas tree, I was knocked off my … Continue reading Why helmets are a good idea on two wheels

“Route 66 to Santa Fe”

This song is performed by Richard Ellers, who boasts quite a biography. This song must be new, because it's not mentioned on his website.

Cahokia Mounds featured in National Geographic

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, located on an older alignment of Route 66 near Collinsville, Ill., is featured in an excellent article in the current issue of National Geographic. The story reportedly has boosted number of visitors at Cahokia Mounds and prompted a follow-up story by the Suburban Journals of St. Louis. The National Geographic article … Continue reading Cahokia Mounds featured in National Geographic

Co-owner of Sprague’s Super Service Station dies

William Sanders, 77, co-owner of the historic Sprague's Super Service gas station on Route 66 in Normal, Ill., with his wife Terri Ryburn, died Thursday in an area hospital, according to the Bloomington Pantagraph. Sanders' death was announced Sunday by Cathie Stevanovich, president of the Illinois Route 66 Association. Stevanovich wrote: Terri and Bill were in … Continue reading Co-owner of Sprague’s Super Service Station dies

Route 66 by way of Istanbul

Here's a recent performance of "Route 66" by the Manhattan Transfer in Istanbul, Turkey. Band member Tim Hauser's introductory comments about Istanbul native Ahmet Ertegun are particulary on-target. Popular music in general owes Ertegun a huge debt of gratitude.

Mother Road by way of Tokelau

This excellent video of sights along the Mother Road includes an equally good jazz performance of "Route 66" by All of Me, a band based in the New Zealand territory of Tokelau. (Yes, I had to look it up.)

Details emerge on Route 66 festival

It's still six months away, Bob "Crococile" Lile provided readers of the Route 66 yahoogroup a lot of new details about the 2011 International Route 66 Festival in Amarillo, Texas. Here are a few of the events at the festival on June 9-12: A sock hop and Texas two-step dance at the historic Natatorium. Children's … Continue reading Details emerge on Route 66 festival

Just down the road a piece

Many of the music artists we show performing Bobby Troup's most famous song are from far-flung places. But Ms. Stevie Woods hails from Phoenix, just a few hours' drive from the Mother Road in northern Arizona.