Here's a good performance of Bobby Troup's "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" by singer Linda Taylor and standup bassist Elsen Price. Both are based in Australia. This is recorded live in the studio, with no lip-syncing. With such a spare arrangement, you'd better be good. https://vimeo.com/220573124 Michal Imielski created the video. (Screen-capture image of … Continue reading Hello from Australia
Tag: Bobby Troup
Red-hot electric blues version of “Route 66”
We're doing a little traveling -- guess where? -- so posting might be a little light for a couple of days. In the meantime, I dug up a video from the archives that's a favorite in electric-blues circles, for good reason. It's guitarslinger Popa Chubby and New York City Blues blazing their way through Bobby Troup's … Continue reading Red-hot electric blues version of “Route 66”
A new version of “Route 66”
This video of new material being previewed by musician Inda Eaton surfaced a few days ago. This song is titled "Route 66," but it bears little resemblance to the 1946 classic tune written by Bobby Troup and popularized by Nat King Cole. The key line -- "the road, it changes you" -- probably will hold … Continue reading A new version of “Route 66”
Chuck Berry, R.I.P.
Word came over Saturday afternoon that Chuck Berry, the Father of Rock 'n' Roll, died at his home near Wentzville, Missouri, west of St. Louis, at age 90. Local authorities didn't give a cause of death, but Chuck's son said his father had ailed from pneumonia in recent weeks. Berry was best-known writing and performing … Continue reading Chuck Berry, R.I.P.
R.I.P., Al Jarreau
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
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”
Another band takes inspiration from Route 66
It appears we can add another music group that takes a lot of inspiration from Route 66. It's the Mother Road Trio, based in the Route 66 town of Flagstaff, Arizona. It's got a new album, "On Route 66," coming out today during a release party at the Coconino Center for the Arts in Flagstaff. For … Continue reading Another band takes inspiration from Route 66
“Route 66” with the Time Jumpers
Here's something special. Ray Benson, frontman for the western-swing outfit Asleep At the Wheel, sings "Route 66" with the Time Jumpers during a recent gig in Nashville. https://youtu.be/Bdm23K7xYls In case you didn't know, the Time Jumpers is a group of Nashville studio musicians who started playing classic country, swing, jazz and pop songs together nearly 20 … Continue reading “Route 66” with the Time Jumpers
What is the best version of the “Route 66” song?
Hundreds of versions exist of Bobby Troup's song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," better known simply as "Route 66," that he wrote during a cross-country trip on that highway after World War II. Route 66 News has posted dozens of versions of the "Route 66" song. It's time to take stock and see which version … Continue reading What is the best version of the “Route 66” song?
Natalie Cole, R.I.P.
Natalie Cole, a daughter of music legend Nat King Cole who became a music star in her own right, died Thursday of heart failure. She was 65. Cole earned several platinum albums and nine Grammy awards during her career, but she probably will be best known for her smash-hit "Unforgettable" album, where studio wizardry allowed her to … Continue reading Natalie Cole, R.I.P.