The Rolling Stones

About Route 66

"(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" is a popular rhythm and blues standard, composed in 1946 by American songwriter Bobby Troup. The song uses a twelve-bar blues arrangement and the lyrics follow the path of U. S. Route 66 (US 66), which traversed the western two-thirds of the U. S. from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California. Nat King Cole, with the King Cole Trio, first recorded the song the same year and it became a hit, appearing on Billboard magazine's R&B and pop charts. Another version to reach the Billboard charts was that recorded by Bing Crosby with the Andrews Sisters on May 11, 1946 and this reached the No. 14 position in 1946. The song was subsequently recorded by many artists including Chuck Berry, Glenn Frey, the Rolling Stones, Them, Dr. Feelgood, Asleep at the Wheel, the Manhattan Transfer, Depeche Mode, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Pappo, The Cramps, John Mayer, George Benson and Peter Tork & Shoe Suede Blues.more »

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The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in Dartford in 1962. The earliest settled line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (keyboards, piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Bill Wyman (bass) and Charlie Watts (drums). Since Wyman's retirement in 1993, the band's full members have been Jagger, Richards, Watts and guitarist Ronnie Wood who joined in 1975. Darryl Jones (bassist) and Chuck Leavell (keyboardist) are regular contributors but not full band members. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted the Rolling Stones in 1989, noting that "critical acclaim and popular consensus has accorded them the title of the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.”Rolling Stone magazine ranked them 4… more »

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Rock

14 facts about this song

Route 66" Song History

It was originally composed by Bobby Troup in 1946. - The song is also known as "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66". - It was first recorded by Nat King Cole and became a hit in 1946.

Asleep at the Wheel's Version

The band covered the song in their 1997 album, "The Wheel Keeps on Rollin'". - Their rendition is a Western swing adaptation.

Bing Crosby's Version

Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters collaborated on a version of the song in 1962. - Their rendition gave the song a unique harmonious complexity.

Bobby Troup's Version

As the original composer of the song, Troup also recorded a version. - His version is often referred to as the standard, setting the base for many future adaptations.

Brian Setzer's Version

Brian Setzer's cover can be found in his 2005 album, "Rockabilly Riot Volume One: A Tribute To Sun Records".

Chuck Berry's Version

Chuck Berry recorded his version in 1961. - Berry's version is more rock ‘n’ roll, maintaining a fast tempo throughout.

Depeche Mode's Version

The band covered "Route 66" in 1987. - Their version can be found as a B-side on the CD and vinyl releases of their single, "Behind the Wheel".

Dr. Feelgood's Version

The British Pub Rock band covered the song in their 1975 album, "Down by the Jetty". - They gave a unique British-twist to the American Route 66 story.

Glenn Frey's Version

Found in his 1988 album "Soul Searchin", Glenn Frey's version had more of a jazz influence.

The Andrews Sisters' Version

Their Trio harmony with Bing Crosby in 1962 made their version famous. - It had a Swing theme, with each sister contributing different vocal parts.

The Cramps' Version

Their version of "Route 66" was released in 1991. - As a punk-rock band, they gave the song a more raw and gritty sound.

The Manhattan Transfer's Version

The group covered "Route 66" in their 1994 album, "The Very Best of The Manhattan Transfer". - Their version features a more jazz-influenced, acapella style.

The Rolling Stones' Version

Their rendition of "Route 66" appeared on their debut album in 1964. - It stood out due to its Blues-Rock style, which then was unusual for an English band.

Them's Version

The band, fronted by Van Morrison, covered "Route 66" in 1973. - It had a rock and roll spin, blending the song with a touch of Morrison's unique vocal style.

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