The Best Hits on Route 66: A Journey through American Music History

Route 66, the iconic American highway, has been the backdrop for countless stories and songs. Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth of new industries, and the migration of millions of people. It has also inspired some of the most memorable music in American history.

The Best Hits on Route 66: 100 Essential Stops on the Mother Road

by Amy Bizzarri

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35013 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages

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In this article, we will explore the best hits that have been inspired by or written about Route 66. We will travel through time, from the early days of rock and roll to the present day, and listen to songs that capture the spirit of this legendary road.

The Early Days

Route 66 was first established in 1926, and it quickly became a major thoroughfare for travelers and tourists. The road also became a popular subject for songs, as musicians were inspired by its beauty, its history, and its promise of adventure.

One of the earliest hits about Route 66 was "Route 66" by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Released in 1946, the song became a huge hit on the country charts, and it helped to popularize Route 66 with a new generation of listeners.

Another early hit about Route 66 was "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" by Nat King Cole. Released in 1946, the song became a crossover hit, appealing to both pop and country audiences. The song's catchy melody and upbeat lyrics made it a favorite of travelers and tourists alike.

The Rock and Roll Era

In the 1950s, Route 66 became a major destination for young people, who flocked to the road in search of adventure and excitement. The road also became a popular subject for rock and roll songs, as musicians were inspired by its energy and its youthful spirit.

One of the most famous rock and roll songs about Route 66 is "Route 66" by Chuck Berry. Released in 1964, the song became a huge hit, and it has since been covered by countless artists. The song's driving beat and catchy lyrics have made it a classic of the rock and roll era.

Another popular rock and roll song about Route 66 is "California Girls" by the Beach Boys. Released in 1965, the song became a huge hit, and it has since been covered by countless artists. The song's upbeat lyrics and catchy melody have made it a favorite of beachgoers and road trippers alike.

The Folk and Country Era

In the 1960s and 1970s, Route 66 became a popular subject for folk and country songs. These songs often reflected the road's changing landscape, as well as the hopes and dreams of the people who traveled it.

One of the most famous folk songs about Route 66 is "Woody Guthrie's Route 66" by Woody Guthrie. Released in 1965, the song became a classic of the folk music era. The song's simple lyrics and haunting melody have made it a favorite of travelers and folk music enthusiasts alike.

Another popular folk song about Route 66 is "Willin'" by Little Feat. Released in 1971, the song became a hit on the folk and country charts. The song's laid-back lyrics and catchy melody have made it a favorite of road trippers and music lovers alike.

The Present Day

Route 66 continues to be a popular subject for songs, and musicians from all over the world have been inspired by its beauty, its history, and its promise of adventure.

One of the most recent hits about Route 66 is "Route 66" by the Rolling Stones. Released in 2012, the song became a hit on the rock and roll charts. The song's driving beat and catchy lyrics have made it a favorite of road trippers and music lovers alike.

Another popular recent song about Route 66 is "66" by John Mayer. Released in 2015, the song became a hit on the pop charts. The song's upbeat lyrics and catchy melody have made it a favorite of road trippers and music lovers alike.

Route 66 has inspired countless songs over the years, and these songs have helped to shape the American music landscape. From the early days of rock and roll to the present day, Route 66 has been a source of inspiration for musicians from all over the world.

The songs on this list are just a few of the many great hits that have been inspired by Route 66. These songs capture the spirit of the road, and they continue to inspire travelers and music lovers alike.

The Best Hits on Route 66: 100 Essential Stops on the Mother Road

by Amy Bizzarri

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35013 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages

FREE