Route 66, also known as the “Main Street of America,” has significantly impacted the nation’s culture, particularly in the realm of music. Established in 1926, this iconic highway stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles, serving as a symbolic pathway for countless travelers seeking new opportunities and adventure.
As people journeyed along this great road, they brought their unique musical styles, creating a melting pot of sounds that would shape American music’s future.
The significance that Route 66 has played in the development of American music cannot be understated. The highway connected various regions and cultures, allowing for the exchange and fusion of diverse musical genres, such as jazz, blues, rock, and country. This blending of styles can be seen in popular songs directly inspired by the road, like Bobby Troup’s classic, “Route 66.”
Additionally, the evolving music landscape along the highway led to the creation of numerous iconic venues and artists forging their paths, further expanding the influence of Route 66 on American music.
Origins of Route 66 and Its Cultural Impact
Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, has a storied history that begins in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois. As a symbol of adventure and freedom, it stretches over two thousand miles through eight states, ending in sunny California.
Route 66 was spearheaded by Cyrus Avery in the early 1920s, driven by the vision of connecting rural communities to larger cities.
In its early years, Route 66 supported the growth of industry and trade, providing small towns with a direct route to larger markets. As more people began traveling on the iconic highway, it influenced American culture and helped shape the music scene.
Interestingly, Route 66 also played a significant role in the lives of families affected by the Dust Bowl, an event portrayed in John Steinbeck’s famous novel The Grapes of Wrath.
The origins of Route 66 date back to 1926, with the passing of the Federal Aid Highway Act. This act aimed to create a new network of highways connecting the nation, and thus, the 2,448-mile-long U.S. Highway 66 was born.
It traversed through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, connecting small towns and rural areas to big cities.
Route 66 is famous for its role in transportation and trade and its ties to sports and entertainment. 1928 Olympic gold medalist John Woodruff organized the first Bunion Derby, a transcontinental footrace along the highway.
This event attracted thousands of spectators and helped solidify Route 66’s reputation as the ultimate American road trip.
Andy Payne, an Oklahoma native, became the champion of the first Bunion Derby, running the entire length of the new highway in just over 573 hours. His victory caught the nation’s eye, further solidifying Route 66’s connection to adventure and the American dream.
As the highway’s popularity grew, so did its impact on American culture, particularly music. The road became a symbol of limitless possibilities, and its influence can be seen in the work of many American musicians.
From blues to jazz and rock ‘n’ roll, the sounds and stories of Route 66 travelers have left a lasting mark on American music history.
Music Inspired by Route 66
Route 66, the iconic American highway stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, has left an indelible mark on American music history. From its inception to its present-day revival, Route 66 has inspired musicians of various genres to pen songs commemorating its unique allure.
One of the most famous among these is Bobby Troupe’s “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,” performed by countless artists, including Nat King Cole, the Rolling Stones, and Natalie Cole.
The Nat King Cole Trio popularized the song with its 1946 rendition. The success of this version cemented their music career, and the catchy tune quickly became associated with the growing American pop culture of the time.
Later, other influential artists like Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones also recorded their versions of the song, showcasing their unique styles while paying homage to the universal appeal of Route 66.
Route 66 has also played a role in Hollywood’s history, as it was the backdrop for important events such as Bing Crosby’s cross-country journey to Los Angeles, California. The highway’s presence in the heart of the entertainment industry further solidified its status as a pop culture icon.
Musically, the lyrics of many songs evoke the sense of adventure and freedom that Route 66 signifies. From bustling cities like Chicago and Los Angeles to picturesque landscapes, the highway’s diverse scenery broadly impacts American music artists and songwriters.
In summary, Route 66 has been a dynamic source of inspiration for American music in various styles and periods. Whether through Bobby Troupe’s iconic song, the influence of Nat King Cole, or the Rolling Stones’ rendition, the spirit of the highway has permeated the national consciousness through melodic narratives.
As a symbol of American pop culture and an important factor in the careers of renowned artists, Route 66 will always be remembered as a celebrated muse in the world of music.
Route 66 in the Media and Popular Culture
When discussing Route 66, it’s impossible not to mention its significant influence on various aspects of American media and popular culture. This iconic highway has inspired numerous artistic and creative expressions in fields such as television, film, literature, and music.
One of the earliest examples of Route 66’s presence in television was the popular 1960s TV show “Route 66,” which starred Martin Milner and George Maharis.
The show follows the two main characters traveling across the United States, encountering adventures and colorful characters. The success of this series further solidified Route 66’s image in the public’s imagination.
In literature, Jack Kerouac’s seminal novel, “On the Road,” captivated readers with its vivid portrayal of the restless spirit embodied by Route 66. Although the novel does not exclusively focus on Route 66, it remains a significant part of the narrative, symbolizing freedom, exploration, and the allure of the open road.
Route 66 has also been prominently featured in films, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes it traverses.
National Geographic Channel’s documentary “America the Beautiful” includes segments highlighting the highway’s rich history and its role in shaping American popular culture.
Speaking of popular culture, music has undeniably been influenced by Route 66. The song “Route 66,” which has been covered by numerous artists, including Depeche Mode, celebrates the road’s role in connecting the nation.
Its catchy lyrics invite listeners to “get their kicks on Route 66,” illustrating the excitement and adventure associated with the storied highway.
As a vital part of the U.S. highway system, Route 66 has left a lasting impact on Hollywood, with movies and pop culture often romanticizing the idea of the open road.
This influence is evident in the popularity of road trip movies and countless references to the iconic highway in films, music, and other forms of entertainment.
In conclusion, through television, film, literature, and music, Route 66 has etched itself into American popular culture as an enduring symbol of freedom, exploration, and the allure of life on the open road.
As we continue to engage with and appreciate various artistic representations of Route 66, we are reminded of this historic highway’s timeless charm.
Decommissioning of Route 66 and Its Legacy
The decommissioning of Route 66 marked the end of an era for this iconic U.S. highway, which stretched from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. Over the years, it played a crucial role in connecting major cities like Los Angeles, St. Louis, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
Despite its official decommissioning in 1985, Route 66 has left a lasting legacy not only in terms of cultural heritage but also in the realm of American music.
Before its decommissioning, Route 66 witnessed significant events, such as World War II and the subsequent economic boom, leading to increased automobile dependency.
As a result, the growing need for a more efficient transportation system became apparent. The then-president Dwight D. Eisenhower recognized the need for a better highway network by signing the Interstate Highway Act in 1956, which underpinned the creation of the current Interstate Highway System.
As new interstate highways were constructed, they bypassed many towns and businesses that had once flourished along the old highway.
As the decline of Route 66 began, so did the ebbing of some of the musical influences it had once fostered. Nevertheless, the decommissioning of Route 66 paved the way for creating a unique musical legacy fueled by nostalgia for the old road.
For instance, the Rolling Stones immortalized Route 66 in their 1964 self-titled debut album with the “Route 66” track. Throughout the years, the highway has inspired countless well-known and obscure musicians to compose songs that celebrate its iconic history.
New Mexico even took things a step further by creating a musical highway on Route 333, an old segment of Route 66. When drivers travel at the designated speed limit of 45 mph, the vibrations of their tires create the sound of the musical notes E, F, A, and D.
The vibrations are produced by a series of strategically placed rumble strips that have been engineered to play these notes based on the spacing of each strip.
Even today, almost four decades after the decommissioning of Route 66, the fascination with its history continues to fuel tourism and preservation efforts. Many businesses and towns along the old highway still celebrate their association with Route 66, showing that the legacy of this legendary road lives on.
In summary, although the original Route 66 may no longer exist as a functioning highway, its spirit and influence are far from forgotten.
The decommissioning of Route 66 allowed musicians and communities to create original approaches to preserving its memory, ensuring that this iconic thoroughfare remains an indelible part of the American cultural landscape.