Bootleg Stones

Here's a live-in-concert, bootleg recording in 1977 of the Rolling Stones performing "Route 66." Mick Jagger's slight change in a lyric might offend a few Oklahoma City residents (and make a few Tulsans snicker). The recording came from El Mocambo Club in Toronto, Canada. The gig became rather infamous, and not for the music, as … Continue reading Bootleg Stones

A Humbler fumble

As the Super Bowl fast approaches, here's a fascinating Super Bowl ad from 1970, for the Pontiac GTO Humbler built by General Motors. Longtime roadie Mark Potter, who's done a lot of impeccable research about Route 66 and classic cars, said the ad aired only one time. He explained why in a comment on his … Continue reading A Humbler fumble

Top this

One of the dreams of many motorists is to drive Route 66 in a convertible with the top down. David Loveall of Kansas City, Mo., certainly did -- more than 555 hours' worth on the Mother Road and other highways across the country, reported Automobile Magazine. Loveall drives a Mini Cooper convertible equipped with a … Continue reading Top this

More Route 66 in miniature

Here is Willem Bor's latest Route 66 miniature creation -- the Little Juarez diner in the ghost town of Glenrio, Texas. It is in 1/25 scale. You can read more about Bor's creations here.

Notes from the road

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has nominated the Route 66 city of St. Louis as one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations, it was announced this week. Such destinations "offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment … Continue reading Notes from the road

Kicks with King of the Jukebox

Here's a sizzling version of "Route 66" by jump blues artist Louis "King of the Jukebox" Jordan in 1958. Singing is Dorothy Smith, who does some swell improvisation with the lyrics. https://www.louisjordan.com/

A story with long legs

Many, many people have traveled Route 66 in a number of ways -- walking, running, driving and more. However, this one has to be a first. French native Manu Cuadra is beginning his journey this spring on the Mother Road from Chicago to Santa Monica ... on stilts. He plans on covering 70 kilometers (43 … Continue reading A story with long legs

More Harley & Annabelle

Here's a new video of Harley and Annabelle Russell at the Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick, Okla., performing "Route 66." Save for Harley half-doing the splits during the song's conclusion, it's mostly the same schtick during the song that the two have been doing for years. But it still brings a smile to my face.

Dew it to it

Here's a blast from the past: an altered version of "Route 66" (for reasons that will be apparent) by John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols, for a Mountain Dew ad in 1996.