The week-long grand opening of the historic and renovated Church Studio in Tulsa begins today, which is exactly 50 years after music legend Leon Russell bought the property. Tours of Church Studio are available from March 1 to March 5 for a $5 donation, with tours costing $25 after that. The studio sits at 304 … Continue reading Week-long grand reopening of Church Studio in Tulsa begins today
Category: Music
Lee Emmerson, writer of the Route 66-inspired song “Signs,” dies at 77
Lee Emmerson, leader of the Five Man Electrical Band who wrote a hit song, "Signs," that he said was inspired by a journey on Route 66, died in a hospital Dec. 10 of COVID-19 complications. He was 77. According to CVT News in Canada, Emmerson's wife said he was double vaccinated but had underlying conditions … Continue reading Lee Emmerson, writer of the Route 66-inspired song “Signs,” dies at 77
Real-life gang fight in San Bernardino inspired “West Side Story”
The play and film "West Side Story" is well known as the story of a fictional turf war between white and Puerto Rican street gangs in Manhattan. However, "West Side Story" was inspired by a real-life gang fight in 1955 in San Bernardino, California, about a half-mile north of Route 66. The historic Mitla Cafe … Continue reading Real-life gang fight in San Bernardino inspired “West Side Story”
30th-anniversary editions of Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable … with Love” coming in 2022
Several 30th-anniversary editions of Natalie Cole’s megahit "Unforgettable … With Love" album are coming early next year. That record remains best-known for its smash duet single, "Unforgettable," with her deceased father, Nat King Cole. "Unforgettable .... with Love" also contains Natalie's own version of "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," a Bobby Troup-written song made … Continue reading 30th-anniversary editions of Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable … with Love” coming in 2022
Band’s music video features Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios as a backdrop
Oklahoma-based punk-pop band Thru It All recently shot a music video for "Irrelevant," a song from its forthcoming EP, that features that city's Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66 prominently. The moments with Mary Beth Babcock's shop -- and its huge Buck Atom fiberglass statue -- begin about the 30-second mark. https://youtu.be/kx2eFB7lUqA I recognized several … Continue reading Band’s music video features Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios as a backdrop
Asleep At the Wheel releases new version of “Route 66” for 50th-anniversary album
Western swing band Asleep At the Wheel last week released an album that marks its 50th anniversary, "Half of a Hundred Years," that includes a new version of "Route 66." The new cut of "Route 66" includes guest vocalists Leroy Preston and Johnny Nicholas to accompany the band's longtime lead singer, Ray Benson. Preston was … Continue reading Asleep At the Wheel releases new version of “Route 66” for 50th-anniversary album
New Roger Miller mural goes up in Erick
An artist recently completed a large mural paying tribute to late musician Roger Miller on a building along Route 66 in Erick, Oklahoma, that used to house his museum. Brian Lewis of Greensboro, North Carolina, painted the mural on the building on the southeast corner of the intersection of Roger Miller Boulevard (aka Route 66) … Continue reading New Roger Miller mural goes up in Erick
Illinois Rock and Roll Museum to open later this year after first Hall of Fame induction
The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet will open to the public later this year after it holds its first Hall of Fame ceremony on Aug. 31. Inductees of the inaugural class are Buddy Guy, Chicago, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Muddy Waters, The Buckinghams, The Ides of March and longtime disc … Continue reading Illinois Rock and Roll Museum to open later this year after first Hall of Fame induction
Data indicates surge of business at drive-in theaters may persist
Many drive-in theaters did a booming business during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly because it was the only safe or open entertainment venue for people to watch movies and, in some cases, go to concerts. According to a story from CNN Business, the good times for the drive-ins may not be over: Last … Continue reading Data indicates surge of business at drive-in theaters may persist
Newest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
Six projects, including four historic sites, will receive more than $103,000 in cost-share grants from the Route 66 Corridon Preservation Program under the auspices of the National Park Service. The awards first were revealed Thursday in a social media post for the Road Runner's Retreat complex, which received a grant, near Chambless, California. Here are … Continue reading Newest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program