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 our readers think is the best.
First is the first guy who recorded it, Nat King Cole in 1946:
The Pied Pipers also recorded it in 1946, with more lyrics:
Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters also recorded it:
https://youtu.be/FJ4GBrnRBic
Perry Como’s version of the “Route 66” song in 1959 contains more lyrics — and added Route 66 towns — not often heard:
Another influential version was by Chuck Berry, in 1961:
Berry’s version inspired the Rolling Stones when they released their version on their first album in 1964:
https://youtu.be/c5TG8nn5dRI
The western-swing band Asleep At the Wheel recorded its version in 1976 and have done it at every show since 40 years later:
https://youtu.be/ih7kl0sjdSM
The Manhattan Transfer recorded an old-school doo-wop version in 1981 that proved popular for the quartet:
Another popular version with a radical electronica arrangement was by Depeche Mode in 1987:
https://youtu.be/qqrKxBhKdFM
Michael Martin Murphey scored a hit on the country-singles chart in 1989 from his “Land of Enchantment” album:
The Brian Setzer Orchestra merged a big-band sound with Nelson Riddle’s “Route 66” theme song from the 1960s TV show in 1994:
https://youtu.be/zMXWQmucC5o
John Mayer brought his version to a new generation of fans when it was included in the “Cars” movie soundtrack. This extended version includes a slow blues jam:
Finally, Glenn Frey, a member of The Eagles, recorded a version in 2012 that owes a bit to western swing:
I’ve created a poll to let the readers decide what’s the best version of Troup’s much-performed song:
The poll will be open for a week, when I’ll compile the results.
Is there a favorite version of the “Route 66” song that didn’t find its way into the list? Let us know in the comments section.
(Image of “Route 66” composer Bobby Troup by Jazz Guy via Flickr)
In the movie “RV” from 2006, Robin Williams and Jeff Daniels and their families sing an interesting version at the end of the movie that includes rap and yodeling.
Nothing beats the original version that Bobby Troup handed over to Nat King Cole. All the others made subtle, and often dramatic changes, replacing or eliminating town names and mostly ignoring the Jazz style of the 1940’s. I agree that those versions were unique and artistic styling that appealed to music lovers in those many decades, but like the music of the Beatles and Elvis, nothing can replace the original lyrics and music!
My fav version of the song is from NKC’s daughter, Natalie Cole. She just has a sweet voice. She knew how to make love to a song and make it her own. When she sang it, it was fun and made you want to go out and discover the Mother Road.
IMHO, Nelson Riddle’ “Route 66” – the theme song for the TV series – is far more enjoyable.
Chuck Berry’s version has always been my favorite, although that Perry Como performance was a strong second in my mind. I have a bunch of these bookmarked in YouTube, including a version I think you posted here Ron, done by the Strypes.
Depeche Mode version is great.
trivia note: in Chuck Berrys version he sings “Barscow, ” instead of Barstow.
Then the Stones later sing “Barscow” .
I like Depeche
I agree 100%,no disrespect to any of the other artists but Depeche Mode wins this hands-down! This version has much more of a commercial appeal to it that could be played to the masses and enjoyed by the masses,I just don’t think you could do that with any of the other versions!
There is a Jazz version by Diana Krall from 1996 which is worth listening to because of the wonderful guitar intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgeVx8QoVaQ
YES! That’s a great version, and we’ve also found one with both Krall and Natalie Cole during a tour they did together at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3TbSSI3hy8
We featured the Cole solo version on our blog here: https://curioustraveler66.com/2015/06/30/route-66-song-of-the-week-natalie-cole/
Thank you. Don’t really care for her voice but once you mentioned guitar I was curious. That was excellent. Maybe I can just edit her out.
Please add the 70s version by Earthquake on Bezerkley records. They were a standard concert band during the 70’s SF bay area.
Cool post sorry I missed the voting. My favorite is Chuck Berry version. My band also recently produced/recorded our own version. https://www.reverbnation.com/RealNobodies/song/25486708-cover-rt-66-final-mix
This fun one by Louis Jordan with vocal by one Dottie Smith, aka Dorothy Smith.
Dr.feelgood’s version is absolutely the best one. It simply rocks!! There’s a great intensity through out the song. People, listen that song!!
No Feelgoods? – A Travesty!
Rosemary Clooney cover is awesome!
The Cramps version from their album “Flamejob” is my fave…Cheers!!! Tyrone Powerchord…
WTF! Nobody hear Sammy Davis Jr version? It is the very best rendition ever!
I’ve what’s enjoyed the very short instrumental version in the movie “Three Daring Daughters” that’s played on the piano by José Iturbi.
https://youtu.be/LxfReZ-4uy4
And Bobby Troup did a nice job on his own song, on his wife Julie London’s tv show.
https://youtu.be/kLUYf6cekMA
Of the vocal versions, I most enjoy Nat King Cole, with the version from the movie “Cars” a very close second.
I wish Julie London had recorded a version of her husband’s most famous song.
You forgot the 4 Freshman. Great version.
Don’t forget The Replacements 1987 cover on the expanded edition of “Pleased to Meet Me.”
https://youtu.be/yvHyPTR62-s
Please reopen the polling!!!!! The ABSOLUTE VERY BEST is the Asleep at the Wheel version on “Live at Billy Bob’s” from 2003.
YES, Ray Benson for sure….
There was also an Australian version, with modified lyrics, to suit the Australian Route 66 (Barkly Highway). Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of the artist or find the YouTube video of it so far.
Rolling Stones version
Rolling Stones version… but I’d like Pappo’s Blues version too.
The best is The Underbeats version from Mpls, MN–Jim Johnson, founder of The Underbeats and later “Gypsy”. Wonderful vocals, guitar!
My favorite version is by Asleep at the Wheel Live at Billy Bob’s Texas
I want a c.d. with verious artists doing only the rt 66 song,any ideas??
There’ s version that I used to hear on a cigarette TV advertising when I was a young boy, but I never knew who’s the band that sang it… I’m still looking for, if somebody knows… please, tell me…
I think Wilbert Harrison´s version is the best one.
I find it somewhat intriguing that no mention is made of the version recorded by Bobby Troup himself. There are plenty of references to him being the ‘songwriter’ but nothing about his (minor) legacy as a recording artist. I have a copy of Troup’s recorded version of “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66” – but have literally no idea as to when it was recorded.
Well said that man! – The Wilko version pf the Feelgoods made a blistering cover of it
Absobloodylutely
No brainer. DR Feelgood. Live at the Kurshal 1972