A great 20th century musician\arranger\conductor. His arrangements and orc… Read Full Bio ↴A great 20th century musician\arranger\conductor. His arrangements and orchestral backing were used on the great Frank Sinatra albums starting with "Songs for swingin' lovers" in the 50's. A very modest man, his remuneration for the Sinatra works were only those of a session musician, improving only when Nat King Cole insisted Capitol records pay him the full entitlement. Very highly regarded amongst musicians and his many fans worldwide.

Route 66 Theme
Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If you ever plan to motor west,
Travel my way, take the highway that is best.
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.

It winds from Chicago to LA,
More than two thousand miles all the way.
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.

Now you go through Saint Looey
Joplin, Missouri,
And Oklahoma City is mighty pretty.
You see Amarillo,
Gallup, New Mexico,
Flagstaff, Arizona.
Don't forget Winona,
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino.

Won't you get hip to this timely tip:
When you make that California trip
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.

Won't you get hip to this timely tip:
When you make that California trip
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.

Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra's song Route 66 Theme are a celebration of the iconic Route 66 highway that runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, covering over two thousand miles. The song is a call to those who plan to travel west to take the best highway, Route 66, and get their kicks on this famous road.

The journey of Route 66 takes you through various cities and states, and the lyrics mention some of the notable stops along the way, including Saint Looey, Joplin, Missouri, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Gallup, New Mexico, Flagstaff, Arizona, Winona, Kingman, Barstow, and San Bernardino. The lyrics encourage travelers to "get hip to this timely tip" and make sure to get their kicks on Route 66 when making the California trip.

The song captures the sense of adventure, freedom, and excitement that Route 66 represented to travelers in the mid-20th century. The highway offered a way to see America, explore its towns and cities, and experience the vastness and diversity of the country. Overall, Route 66 Theme is a cheerful and uplifting tribute to the iconic American highway.

Line by Line Meaning

If you ever plan to motor west
In case you are planning to drive towards the west

Travel my way, take the highway that is best.
Come along with me and take the most ideal road

Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.
Have some fun and enjoy the experience on Route 66

It winds from Chicago to LA,
The road meanders from Chicago to Los Angeles

More than two thousand miles all the way.
The distance covered is over 2000 miles

Now you go through Saint Looey
Next, you go through St. Louis

Joplin, Missouri,
And then, Joplin in Missouri

And Oklahoma City is mighty pretty.
Oklahoma City is quite beautiful

You see Amarillo,
You will spot Amarillo

Gallup, New Mexico,
As well as Gallup, New Mexico

Flagstaff, Arizona.
Followed by Flagstaff in Arizona.

Don't forget Winona,
Don't miss Winona

Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino.
Also pass through Kingman, Barstow, and San Bernardino

Won't you get hip to this timely tip:
Here's some advice you might find useful

When you make that California trip
When you travel to California

Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.
Have some fun while driving on Route 66

Won't you get hip to this timely tip:
Here's some advice you might find useful

When you make that California trip
When you travel to California

Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.
Have some fun while driving on Route 66

Lyrics © MUSIC ASSET MANAGEMENT (MAM), Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bobby W Troup

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Comments from YouTube:

@toobad181

2y↑60

I am crying as I write this. George Maharis ( "Buzz" who co- starred with Martin Milner ) just passed away May 24, 2023, at the age of 94. I hope he's " found himself " perhaps continuing to find adventure traveling around in heaven in a Corvette --
RIP " Buzz ". Will always love you.

@Alan-71351

1y↑3

Thanks toobad. I LOVED this show starting as a ten year old.Two cool cats. Sorry about G. Too

@highlanderNC-mr8fe

1y↑2

California in the 60’s and 70’s man it was so beautiful.

@Travis-bs6hm

1y↑3

One of the finest songs ever written

@Chazd1949

49w↑2

@@Alan-71351 Wow, me too at ten years old. I've always loved this TV program and the Nelson Riddle orchestra playing the theme. I have a CD of it and always play it when I'm on a road trip somewhere. This TV program did more to popularize the American dream car the Chevy Corvette, more than any GM ads could have. I've always loved the Corvette and have had several of them. My current one is a '64 Stingray coupe, 365HP, 327, 4-spd.

@Chazd1949

49w↑3

@@highlanderNC-mr8fe I lived in Ft. Lauderdale FL through all of the 60s and 70s. The beach scene along A1A from the Yankee Clipper hotel north past Las Olas Blvd was a great place to cruise, to check out the cars and the girls. Except for the Vietnam war, it was a great time to be alive - great cars, great music, and great friends.

2 More Replies...

@nyterpfan

3y↑150

That walking bass line with the jazzy piano counterpoint--then the booming brass section--absolutely friggin BOSS!!

@dsparkman6315

2y↑9

Pay attention to that bass line. It is rather unique and innovative.

@margotblanchette3767

2y↑4

❤

@scottmckenna9164

2y↑7

My childhood passes by in music

@dmswanson5694

Adriot, or as we say, dead-on. Take a bow.@@scottmckenna9164

@kentayers4578

I can virtually visualize him playing that big upright bass fiddle.@@dsparkman6315

7 More Replies...

@kentayers4578

4y↑63

I was lucky enough 30 years ago to buy an old Seeburg jukebox. I immediately went out and found the "45" single of this song, put it in the rack, and it is still there. I still get goosebumps when I hear it like I did 58 years ago on TV. I also remember right at the end of the theme during the closing credits, an announcer said "This has been a Screen Gems film presentation, in association with Columbia pictures."

@felixbautista

4y↑5

Good for you! Thank you so much.

@PennPearson

45w↑2

Wow! Yes! I remember that!

@WagnerPD-b7n

30w↑1

Thanks 4 sharing! I get goosebumps by just thinking of owning a Seeburg or Wurlitzer. Any other brands of jukeboxes out there Or back then??

@teletubetodd

2y↑84

Wonderful theme. It beautifully captures the summer-breezy, freewheeling highway spirit of its subject. They don't write TV themes like this anymore. Thanks for posting. Rest in peace, George Maharis.

@felixbautista

2y↑2

You're so welcome.

@freefly7074

CUANDO FALLECIO ???

@keithpopko2540

2y↑1

I remember when he had to leave the show because of illness. He was my favorite character.

@jamescalifornia2964

2y↑2

@keithpopko2540 ~ Yes, I remember the show went downhill without Maharis.

@carlgemlich1657

2y↑1

Check out Milton Rogers's "Palm Canyon Drive." Similar breezy feeling.

2 More Replies...

@theearl1477

2y↑26

I only found this because of George's recent passing. One of the best, if not the greatest, instrumental compositions of all time. I love how this song just builds up inside of you. In 2023 it's a crime listening to the music they play today. Brings back memories of my youth. Martin Milner and George Maharis were some team. Never missed a show and the Corvette. Everyone wanted to own one even if they couldn't drive one yet. Nelson Riddle was the king of production in the 1960's. A belated thanks for putting this together.

@jamescalifornia2964

2y↑2

• That was an interesting TV show. All filmed entirely on location. Quite amazing ... 🎬

@MatthewSta-w2f

24w

Yipper

@cindymiller3066

2y↑24

My husband and I did Route 66 over a course of 2 weeks 5 years ago this week! I wanted to do Route 66 while I was still 66! I turned 67 on June 3rd. Biggest thrill - Standin’ on the corner Winslow AZ!!

@roadking99jokerst60

1y↑1

Great fun on your 66th. Wifey and I found ourselves at the corner of Walk & Dont Walk on US 1 on Miami Beach near the Victor hotel.

@WagnerPD-b7n

30w↑1

Yeah. I just got to the Rest Area off the freeway as I wuz driving a Big Truck.👍

@cindymiller3066

29w↑1

And getting to “Amarillo by Morning” 11:45 am!

@karenharris722

25w

Lucky you!

@MrJpartridge

8y↑428

how does a composer create a piece of music that perfectly captures the experience of driving a cool car across America?

@MrJpartridge

8y↑20

OK I'm getting old - I said almost exactly the same thing three weeks ago - maybe that tells you how awed I am over Nelson Riddle's theme - I could say the same for Neil Hefti's Odd Couple Theme capturing the feel of NY

@felixbautista

8y↑16

Thank you so much for giving the video your utmost attention and appreciation.

@richardlawson4317

8y↑15

+ Jim Partridge Nelson Riddle was a genius! Might I suggest that you enjoy his accompaniment on Frank Sinatra's "All Or Nothing At All"? From 1966 I think. It still blows me away!

@BegoneJonah

7y↑31

It was cool then, it's cool now and it will always be cool. You can measure cool against it.

@spacepatrolman

7y↑8

Nelson had a glass gazebo on the beach he wrote music in there

57 More Replies...

@JohnPiperBoots

2y↑13

This song brings memories when I was only a baby in the crib. Too young to watch or understand! But my father was an Electronics Engineer at the time a WW2 vet and worked for Griffiss Air Force Base '53 - '83. Amazing how songs bring back memories! He watched this at night is all I knew then. Dragnet etc....

@melaniejones8013

4y↑55

Somewhere on some old deserted back road anywhere USA, if you look closely you might catch a glimpse of Tod and Buz traveling along. The tinkling ivories of this classic theme will let you know the world of Route 66 will never die. Thank you Mr. Riddle.

@komandantekomandante7466

3y↑3

Melanie that's the spirit, the attitude. Je je je.

Greetings from Ciudad de México.

@komandantekomandante7466

3y↑3

I would like ride a big bile HONDA GOLD WING or a HARLEY DAVIDSON ELECTRA.

@doctorgarbonzo2525

3y↑5

Epic! if not the Best Tv theme of all time! Always gets my imagination rolling & transports me into a drivers seat of a Vette

@stephenmcguire7801

2y↑4

I would add the strings swiftly swooping down just before the piano, signifying the final shift into high on your 4-speed: 70mph and no traffic in sight!

@jereshaw777

2y↑4

Ageed, very well said melaniejones8013. Somewhere in west Texas in the mid 60's and before the interstates, I have glimpses of my father and I basking in traveling to the next town's furniture store. The next Holiday Inn or Sands Motel for the night. Enjoy evening meal then of to the pool for a swim before bed. Daydreaming out the window about a we go along relishing the precious little time just he, myself and beautiful west Texas. Greatness. He's been gone 44 years, but i feel I could find him somewhere out there. Peace...

1 More Replies...

@sensey07

2y↑19

RIP George Maharis 1928-2023.

@freefly7074

TENIA 95 AÑOS .

@steve126jackson3

47w↑1

I knew George from the gym. Great guy. He was my TV hero. I'm glad I got to know him.

@michaelleroy9281

28w↑1

And Martin Milner 2015

@michaelsmith1094

6y↑115

To me one of the best times to be alive. Of course being young really helped, I would take young and gullible over old and achy and crabby any day.

@felixbautista

6y↑3

Thank you so much for your kindest attention.

@beverlygannon4141

4y↑6

Yes. Me too 👍👍. I'm now ,66. Tm

@hilaryapril7043

4y↑4

Me 2....72 this past August. Thinking about joining the route 66 club...wish I had that old vette ! Actually Michael I was never gullible....and considering my present circumstances....I'm a combination of Joan Rivers and Wonder Woman ! On my way last week from frigid Colorado to the Valley of the Sun drove a small portion of route 66...not in a vette but in my almost completely restored 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe..it was magical !!

@stevenmcgonagle5597

4y↑2

@@hilaryapril7043 so true, great response!

@stevenmcgonagle5597

4y↑4

@@beverlygannon4141 yes!! ill be 66 next May! I feel great! Life is good!

6 More Replies...

@stischer47

8y↑165

Now, over 50 years later, when I hear this tune I want to get into a car and drive...no place in particular. Just experience the freedom.

@felixbautista

8y↑2

Thank you so much for your splendid remarks.

@jackwar8779

8y↑3

I'd like to get into a REAL CAR though, not these modern rubber and plastic puttmobiles!

@kilts4u2

7y↑2

Me too. . .only I used to do it when gasoline was around 50 cents a gallon. And long afterwards when it wasn't much past a dollar. Now. . .hell, mortgage you house and get a hybrid. Ain't the same.

@davidsmith4416

6y↑2

Oh,to have a 59 Corvette convertible. Two-tone paint scheme.

@michaelsmith1094

6y↑2

Yep me too on a motor cycle. Used to do it 30=50 yrs. ago. A more laid back time. Stop and smell the roses. Neighbors were great, No Computers and I pads.

4 More Replies...

@gomerhodge

2y↑14

R.I.P. George Maharis...

@wallacegeller2111

5y↑91

When I was a kid. Route 66 Friday nights on CBS. I loved the theme and still do. This song was also played on top 40 radio stations
Great song

@felixbautista

5y↑3

Thank you so much for your kindest viewership and attention.

@christophers.o622

4y↑3

Every time I listen to the Route 66 theme song, I picture myself driving a 1955 or 1956 Buick Century 2 door hardtop, light blue & white, Whitehall tires with the radio playing the Route 66 theme song on Route 66 heading West.

@Juliaflo

4y↑1

@@christophers.o622 I was overjoyed when I heard Teri Thornton sing the words to the theme. (She also sang the theme from the show 'Naked City').

@gwenfluker3436

3y↑3

I remember the tv show on Friday nights. My brother and sisters and I loved it.

@carolynzaremba5469

3y↑3

They filmed an episode behind our street on the new freeway that was being constructed. We all watched them shoot the location scenes. I was a big fan of George Maharis, so it was all very exciting.

3 More Replies...

@sunking2001

6y↑34

I turn 66 today (1-14-19) and am old enough to have watched several episodes of this very cool classic American television show as well as driven on Hi-way 66 from Southern California and drove to Amarillo back in 1972 with my father. What a great piece Americana and a great piece of music!

@felixbautista

6y↑2

Thank you so much for your kindest attention and viewership.

@tomcooper6108

5y↑22

I've had the pleasure of living 20 yards away from Route 66 for 7 years. Loved every minute of it!!

@barbaracabello587

Come . . . The open road beckons . . .

@davidalen2590

49w

How cool is that!

@markjones7185

3y↑12

This song/composition pulls me right in, I'm taken to that time. Riding a long highway in America, wide open spaces and meeting characters and misfits. The sound of our landscape and another time. Nelson Riddle, thank you.

@debrasimms716

4y↑13

When I was a kid I used to beg my Mom to let me stay up and watch route 66. But no would do finally, in 2008 I watched every episode from beginning to end on Me-TV
in Milwaukee and it's still the music that I love most.Thank you Nelson Riddle for all the music you wrote, especially for the theme to the Naked City. It's great to watch this video and see what the city looked like.back in the good old days.
🌎🚴‍♀️🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

@roconnor01

7y↑93

This is just so cool.It captures the wonderful optimism of the 60's

@felixbautista

7y↑1

Thank you so much for your kind attention and viewership roconnor01.

@felixbautista

7y↑1

Thank you Gian.

@browning1025

6y↑3

Optimism perfectly describes the 60s. Wild and crazy also

@beverlygannon4141

4y↑1

👍👍👍👍❤️love it I'm , ,66 tm 👍

@richardkirkham788

4y↑1

You are so,so right ! It does capture that period of time wonderfully well 😃

@gwenfluker3436

3y↑4

Binge tv brought me here. They are showing the tv show this weekend. Loved those 2 cute guys Martin Milner and George Maharis. R.I.P. to Martin Milner.🌹

@jamescalifornia2964

📺 When Maharis left the show was over ... 🎭

@BCTGuitarPlayer

5y↑4

I’m 64 now. I just started watching Route 66 again for the first time since I was 5 years old. Talk about a time machine. Great music for a great old show.

@johnLA1961

8y↑110

Greatest cruising tune ever !

@felixbautista

8y↑6

Thank you so much for your kind attention John.

@dollarbill2219

6y↑3

Yes it is !

@geraldstephens6612

The ultimate cruising song.

@centralparocker8886

Got that right...Lots of talent went into this...!!!

@nobs4me2

8y↑75

I love this series and watched it on MeTV.....and loved the theme song, even more! Wish I could go back to that era.

@felixbautista

8y↑2

Thank you so much for giving your kindest attention and appreciation for the video Cindy.

@mooseydeucy

6y↑1

Me Too!

@frankmirabello881

Cafe` Skype
I don’t

@parsifal40002

5y↑6

Indeed! I was 14 when I first saw the show. The show's theme caught my attention immediately and I began watching. Became one of my favorite TV shows while growing up. And yes, I, too, wish I could go back to that era and time.

@centurygarage

5y↑3

@@parsifal40002 I was 14 also. I was 21 when I got my first Corvette, a 62. It wasn't until I was until I was 28 and made the trip from the Midwest to Phoenix via Route 66 with a 68 Coupe w/427 that this tune was in my head the whole way

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@MustangSam

9y↑206

This takes me back to when I was a kid and makes me feel like it wasn't that long ago. Such a great feeling from such a great time in my life. Excellent sound and video!

@chrisbuck1695

8y↑15

Me too, its my all time favorite TV song, love the corvette as well

@felixbautista

8y↑11

That was something very encouraging... thank you so much for your kind attention and viewership Sam.

@michaelsmith1094

6y↑4

Ya me too Sam.

@chuckbuckbobuck

5y↑5

When I was a little kid Route 66 was still traveled on and our family drove it many a time going from Albuquerque , NM to Joliet, ILLINOIS to see my Granny. Though I was 4 & 5 in the summer's of 1960 & 1961 I remember so much of that trip that I tell you hour by hour where we were at, where we stopped, etc. Even what I ate. Road trips always made a big impact on me.

@MustangSam

@@felixbautista Thank you!

13 More Replies...

@henrikrolfsen584

3y↑5

We must embrace the New Age with all of it's amazing technology, and freedoms, but we must also jealously grasp, and guard the treasures of the past!

@randyharris5195

6y↑42

Such a classic theme song from yesteryear. No TV program today has such a catchy theme.

@felixbautista

Randy, thank you so much for your kind interest and attention!

@michaelchapman4955

The Jazz- like intro television music themes of the 50s & 60s was the Best ever starting with musician/composer/arranger Nelson S. Riddle

@MitchellMaichak-ze7mr

People have forgotten ( or never knew ) the power of instrumental music !!!

@timgarrett203

1y↑3

Pleasantly burned into my 1960 brain. Wake up with it playing in my head all the time. Makes me feel happy. Love a lot of jazz from the ‘50’s and ‘60’s.

@Hansel551

1y↑5

I just started watching this show on amazon. Somehow I imagine that it was more fun when it was new and you had to to wait all week for each episode to broadcast.

@michaellazzeri9439

4y↑3

Summer of '62, I was 15, heading to 16 y/o. having traveled Route 66 to CA, I know, it was magical. Miss those days.--------------MJL, 75 y/o

@felixbautista

Thank you so much.

@billgund4532

7y↑42

Rte. 66 & Burma Shave signs. Wow, did I ever get old.

@felixbautista

7y↑1

Thank you so much for your kindest attention Bill.

@billgund4532

7y↑1

@@felixbautista The pleasure is all mine!

@billgund4532

@Patricia McCoy If my old man memory serves me correctly, there were a few Burma Shave signs left in the early 60's? I believe they were mostly in the Arizona & Californis deserts.

@brendas.1374

3y↑7

I ❤ Route 66!!! I’ve seen every episode of the series. It inspired me to buy my first Corvette, a 1967 Coupe.

@JohnPiperBoots

2y↑1

Hahaha - This song brings memories when I was only a baby in the crib. Too young to watch or understand! But my father was an Electronics Engineer at the time a WW2 vet and worked for Griffiss Air Force Base '53 - '83. Amazing how songs bring back memories! He watched this at night is all I knew then. Dragnet etc.... love the theme song indeed!

@MrJpartridge

8y↑70

I don't know how composers do it but some can capture an experience in their music - this is a perfect example the rhythm the piano riff and the melody capture the experience of driving down the highway in a cool car The original Route 66 by Bobby Troup did the same thing

@felixbautista

8y↑2

Thank you so much for giving the video your utmost attention Jim.

@richardlawson4317

8y↑10

It's digitized. You can enjoy it a thousand times and it won't wear out. I can hear that song and I'm back there again, 10 years old in 1960, safe and secure at home. At least we have this.

@W7DSY

7y↑1

Well stated, jim.

@scottfrasier156

kinda like Johnny Cash"s train rhythm in earlier songs..

@joshuajtm7202

6y↑4

simply Beautiful

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@carlomiller1984

2y↑4

I was a kid when this great old TV series was on, and I always had to watch every episode until the very end so I could hear all of Nelson Riddle's beautiful theme song.

@enochhammer70

5y↑13

Who the hell could give this a thumbs down? Greatest TV theme ever!

@felixbautista

Thank you so much Michael.

@charleschauffe4350

5y↑7

That song went so hand in hand with the Route 66 show of it's time! I was very young when the show came out, but it gave lasting memories, so I was so happy to see it on MeTV a couple of years ago! But back to the song- makes you want to put the top down on the convertible (don't have a vette, but the Saab will do just fine) and head down the open road!

@fordwaters8335

6y↑10

When I was a kid I had to go to bed when this came on. But I remember lying in my bed and listing to this theme song on the TV. Good memories.

@felixbautista

Thank you so much for sharing.

@darrellepickering8433

2y↑9

Still have the 45 of this. Like me very old.

@karenharris722

25w

Great music for sure! I'm old too. LOL

@darrellepickering8433

25w

@karenharris722 Never liked those anthology series much. At least it seemed that way to me but that theme song . . . .

@karenharris722

25w

@@darrellepickering8433 I'm glad we can still play it on YouTube!

@darrellepickering8433

25w

@karenharris722 Amen! The '50s/'60s had some of the most unique but beautiful music.

@karenharris722

25w

@@darrellepickering8433 Check out the Vega$ theme song sometime. You'll like that one too!

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@paulbenson3441

4y↑9

I remember watching Route 66 TV series. The music was brilliant then and now in my 60s, it's still brilliant. Some great stuff came out of the 1960s and that was one of them. How does someone write a piece of music that will always remain timeless?

@felixbautista

4y↑1

Thank you so much for your gracious attention.

@jamesaugust4476

1y↑2

Hearing this song as a young boy was magical! Brings back so many memories, and gives me chills! And that car...oh, that car!! It's all just too cool!

@jmrodas9

5y↑11

This one is one of my favorites of those times. I remember the adventures these two friends had driving up and down Route 66. I saw the series on TV and it was a nice and believable story. And the music is still great to hear and enjoy.

@felixbautista

Thank you so very much for your wondrous attention and viewership.

@jmrodas9

@@felixbautista You are welcome, thanks for uploading this. Regards.

@retired_engineer5354

7y↑64

When your driving a Corvette, every road is route is Route 66!

@felixbautista

7y↑1

Thank you so very much for your kind attention.

@MrAquinas1

5y↑2

Drove and rode almost the full length 4 times in my life, St. Louis to L.A. and back twice, once by motorcycle. I made sure I had a recording with me and played it a couple of hundred times.

@armstronglance

5y↑2

Ed Baker Me too, Santa Monica to St Louis & beyond. Lots of Stuckey’s along the highways in those days.
(Had a Thermador “swamp cooler” mounted on the passenger side of a 2 door 1960 “twin antennas on the fins” Impala)

@MrAquinas1

@@armstronglance Sounds like a fun ride in a great classic. My fondest memory was during my '75 cross country ride from NY on my Harley. At one point I was passing an area where the RR ran close to 66, probably approaching somewhere around Needles, and I was overtaking a long freight train while riding into a beautiful sunset. Not another soul was on the highway. As I passed the Locomotive, the engineer noticed me and we exchanged friendly waves like the proverbial two ships passing in the night. The whole trip was great. I was ultimately visiting friends in LA.
I have family ties that make it hard, but with my wife having passed, I still toy with the idea of spending my last years in some small town in those wide open spaces.

@cliffeck6104

1974, Got a new Red Corvette Stingray. I thought I would never want any other car. I was single at the time and that along with the Vette went well together, some of the best years of my life. Graduated to a 77 Cadillac Coupe Deville but kept the Corvette for another 20 years.

@melindalamar188

1y↑3

I feel like crying
..route 66 was such a part of my life...I love this theme music

@Zane_Zaminsky

43w

The genius of Nelson Riddle. 😉

@joestrike8537

41w↑1

I used to tape all these show themes on my dad's reel-to-reel tape recorder from the tv speaker, then collected the LP's featuring themes like the cover at the end of the video - this music is still every bit as good as back then

@dolphignition7176

5y↑18

This has been a Screen Gem Film Presentation from Colombia Pictures - Herbert B. Leonard, Executive Producer

@oluhamilton2121

😢

@carlosferreirabarbosa3545

40w↑2

Eu era adolescentinho e assistia essa série, Rota 66, na TV. De madeira, enorme e preto e branco. Com Martin Milner e George Marraris. Como esquecer dessa série estupenda e desse tema tão maravilhoso do Nelson Riddle? Eu era feliz e sabia.

@ghnavarro

2y↑3

Thanks for all the memories George Maharis.

@ltpls1

5y↑5

Sunday dinner at White Fence Farm on Route 66 with my Grandparents. Great memories, thanks for including that shot.

@felixbautista

You're so welcome... thank you so much.

@w9gb

ltpls1
U.S. Route 66 was first designated in 1926, it coincided with IL 4 for its entire length; IL state route 4 was established by IL Legislature in 1918.

@aladdinsmith3469

6y↑5

It was every Friday night back in those black and white tv days I laid low until around 9 or was it 10 pm eastern time zone to hear my Theme song Route 66 finally I got his name Nelson Riddle. I don't know where he at nowadays but the man can take me back to those Good old Friday night's with one of my most beloved theme song. Was Mr.Nelson ahead of our time If not his route 66 sure was I can listen to 66 alnight long and every Friday. NOW those two dudes in the Vette what up with them aways on the move every week like they riped off a bank I wouldn't doubt since I never saw them hit a lick/work and then again it was my Theme.

@felixbautista

Thank you so much for your most favorable attention as well the splendid entertaining write up you had made for the video.

@jpsned

2y↑2

I can't think of any other music that screams the 60s more than this theme. I think this may have been one of the first pieces of music I ever heard in my life: I was born in 1959 and this show was on from 1960 to 1964.

@yoliecuatorianaporvida3040

48w↑3

I JUST HAD TO PLAY IT ONE MORE TIME TO FILL MY HEART OF JOY. THIS SONG BRINGS ME MEMORIES OF A TIME GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. 7/21/2024, 10:12 p.m. ❤️🇪🇨🇺🇸❤️

@robert11751

6y↑29

who ever the bass player was, he owned this song

@LB99971

6y↑6

The horns!

@michaelorenstein9165

5y↑3

I'm thinking it's the drummer.

@hamiltonmays4256

5y↑4

The Pete Rugolo Orchestra (Mercury Records, I think) does a creditable version of this and other '60s TV themes, and his bass player also kills it. I wore that record out as a kid, but didn't get to see any of the shows until years or decades later.

@beverlyfrazier8638

23w

I so agree, the LORD gave them so,so much talent, that bass was bad, the piano, all of them. Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful. My GOD that was Beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

@lizdevich7192

3y↑3

I remember this TV series Todd and Buzz. I loved it! Martin Miller and George Maharis.
I think Martin Miller was originally from Tacoma, Washington.

@SeamusMcGillicuddy0

38w↑1

Milner, was from Moldova 🇲🇩 !

@dethray1000

50w↑1

life was so cool back then--Dean Martin was the king of cool--66 came right thru pasadena where i grew up --we truly did not know how cool we were--everybody wanted a corvette--my sisters dated guys with corvetters,one guy had the jag xke--so awesome

@jeangriffith8017

8y↑42

DREAMY..................Listening to it makes me want to hit the road. Road trip anyone ?

@felixbautista

Thank you so much Jean.

@apkn1955

So true.

@charleschauffe4350

5y↑1

I'm ready! Route 66, here we come!

@rifftipton7709

6y↑40

Such a cool song and unlike me, ageless. I think it's Tommy Tedesco on guitar and love the noodling at the end.

@felixbautista

6y↑1

Thank you so much for your kind attention and viewership.

@b3j8

4y↑5

Yeah kinda sounds like Tommy. But actually it was equally great Guitarist Al Caiola.

@sirpoopalot6420

4y↑1

@@b3j8 I copied his version of David Rose' "Holiday for Strings"!

@OriginalMasters

It’s not ageless—it definitely belongs to a better time.

@100BlaQRaok.el_1

1y↑2

Damn, I have been looking for this music vibe for ever. I was born in the 50's so I absorbed good music ever since, but this one☝🏿😁👍🏿

@davidbatteau-d3b

2y↑4

My favorite TV theme!!

@thedealer777

6y↑15

Makes you yearn for the days of streaking down the open road with "Tod & Buzz" in a classic " 'Vet!"

@felixbautista

6y↑1

Thank you so much.

@mackb909

2y↑4

RIP George Maharis (1928-2023).

@steveperry1344

3y↑11

i've always gone nuts for this tune as soon as it starts it puts you in a place.

@keithpopko2540

2y↑1

Same with me.

@TralfazConstruction

It does exactly that. Nicely stated.

@mooseydeucy

6y↑13

Super Jazz. It just starts right in the pocket and stays there. Love the bass line and a great theme song of my youth, when I watched this on black and white TV, before there was color TV! Get hip to it! lol

@felixbautista

Thank you so very much for your kindest attention and viewership Café Skype.

@PaulElmont-fd1xc

2y↑1

When I was little I watched this show on Nickelodeon at night. They called it Nick At Night. We had just gotten Nickelodeon and had like 14 channels. I immediately fell in love with this song.

@PD-nt6dc

6y↑6

Felix - Thank you for posting this perfectly arranged and conducted Route 66 theme song by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra (recorded 3/8/99). Nelson Riddle (1921-1985) certainly would have been proud.Superior musicianship by: Piano - Julie Spangler Guitar - Tom Berens (quite a lick at the end) Trumpet - Randy Sandke Drums - Mike Berkowitz.

@felixbautista

Pleasure is mine Phillip... thank you as well for giving the video your utmost and kindest attention and appreciation.

@LNippur

2y↑4

I was looking for a midi version of this song and I ended up here to enjoy once again after a long time this song that always seemed like a great song to me, apart from the series that was very well done at that time, so thanks for the contribution .

@ProudKansan08

3y↑4

perhaps I've made this comment before, but it needs repeating: ONE OF THE COOLEST SONGS EVER MADE!!!!!!!!!!!!

@topturretgunner

2y↑1

As a young boy I spent many an evening watching the TV series with George Maharis and Martin Milner. That theme song 🎶 is indelibly etched in my memory and at 71 I still find this piece absolutely captivating. It’ll get your toes tapping and fingers snapping.

@jimii2294

2y↑2

ahh - man those were the days.. remember this show as a little kid

@GSGSongs

1y↑1

I still watch the show
I didn't know "Buzz" passed away thnx for posting RIP George Maharis

@davidwilliamson8861

6y↑15

Cruising down The Freeway with no particular place to go!!

@michaelhughes8057

2y↑3

This song brings back good memories of a great TV show!

@felix.carbonel.3799

5y↑11

Nelson Riddle’s Route 66 theme music for the CBS series is top drawer memorable and gives me a great exhilarating feeling of freedom. This theme music is a classic. Another great tv theme music is the Mannix theme by Lalo Schifrin. That is also a CBS show. I think Route 66 theme and Mannix theme stand shoulder to shoulder as pieces of television musical composition at its very best.

@carolynzaremba5469

3y↑1

Peter Gunn theme.

@OriginalMasters

@@carolynzaremba5469 Mancini, one of the best!

@OriginalMasters

Lalo Schifrin is brilliant.

@scopex2749

SUPERB!! Having lived right next to Route 66 for a while I know how special that highway is. Sadly now like the movie 'Cars' its hardly used at all now :(( My parents used to play this tune and I wondered where this road was - then later in life I married a Missouri gal from JOPLIN right ON 66 and I found out! I never in a million years dreamt I would travel from the UK one day and LIVE right beside it!

@r.crompton2286

7y↑17

0:20- 28 Just love how the strings are overtaken by the horns in a driving crescendo

@felixbautista

7y↑3

Thank you so much for your kindest attention and viewership R. Crompton.

@r.crompton2286

7y↑2

And thank you for providing us a very good stereo recording of the greatest-ever TV theme tune.

@felixbautista

7y↑1

Indeed my pleasure.

@bobgregorchuk93

2y↑2

'Route 66'—The adventures of two young drifters across America.
Staring Martin Milner, George Maharis, Glenn Corbett

@keithpopko2540

2y↑2

I loved this show as a kid, and the theme song brings me right back there. How could it not? It's a masterpiece that instantly dissolves time.

@centralparocker8886

5y↑13

One of the greatest themes ever....And I kid you not....

@felixbautista

Thank you so much !

@mooseydeucy

6y↑12

Super Jazz! and a great theme of my youth when I watched this on black and white TV, before there was color TV! Get hip to it! lol I remember the name, Nelson Riddle as one of those, like Quincy Jones, who were composer and orchestra leader icons - and still are! I grew up watching this show (maybe by parental choice) and now, that I AM sixty-six, the song, magically, keeps on Keeping ON recently in my jukebox brain. Cool baby! lol

@felixbautista

Thank you so much for giving the video your utmost and kindest attention and appreciation.

@michaelboyce9373

3y↑2

One of the stars of this TV shows Martin Milner became a cop on Adam -12 later.

@merccadoosis8847

2y↑2

sensational theme and pics from that era - thanx for posting this gem

@felixbautista

You're so welcome,,, thank you!

@elliothagen9874

On the bus yesterday to Ft. Benning. The bus driver had Sirius XM on 1 of the jazz stations. This popped into my head. Funny how something like you remember when TV show was in the late 50's. And I was 4 or 5 & I watched the show.

@jmrodas9

6y↑3

One of those tunes that brings to me so many remembrances. I used to watch the show on TV and it was a nice show with nice adventures and entertaining to watch.

@felixbautista

Thank you so much for your wonderful and kind attention.

@ellentuton7642

6y↑8

Can u imagine driving where ever, work where ever, and leave when ever!

@richardparries1064

5y↑6

The best them song there ever was. So captures the times and experiences just love it.

@felixbautista

Thank you so much for listening.

@nancyamato686

8y↑20

Two of the most handsomest of men on tv! And so cool too.

@felixbautista

8y↑1

Thank you Nancy.

@peg202xo7

@@felixbautista I was in junior high and crazy about that show, Todd and Buzz in their cool sports car.. this music takes me right back there!!

@felixbautista

Is that right? Thank you so much for checking it out here.

@hamiltonmays4256

5y↑1

I recognize Martin Milner- is the other one George Maharis?

@hamiltonmays4256

5y↑1

@ungratefulmetalpansy What's that got to do with it? Good-looking is good-looking however one happens to roll, and anyway, looks are a matter of personal taste. I agree with Nancy, and I'm a cis hetero dude, not that anybody asked or might care.

@LindaMerchant-bq2hp

49w↑1

The man who wrote composed route 66 was none other than Bobby Troup of emergency fame

@thepakidd5647

Route 66 Theme. Nothing describes this song better than the word "classic".

Definition: clas·sic
Judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.

@U2WB

3y↑3

As a musician, I find this melody both haunting and elusively difficult to find by ear. Genius !

@felixbautista

3y↑1

Thank you so very much !

@billgund4532

6y↑12

When I hit 65, I realized my dream and picked up a gently used 06 Mustang (5spd). Everytime I would head out on a road trip, this would be the lead song when i hit the freeway.

@felixbautista

Thank you so much for your gracious attention and appreciation.

@jbarn49

That's really cool!

@toodie535

good for you!

@donaldmattia1491

3y↑1

I used to watch that show, what a song!!!

@springinfialta106

I caught an old episode of Route 66 where they stopped by Hoover Dam while it was being constructed. Now Lake Mead is a wading pool. How times have changed.

@pdxrailtransit

6y↑32

R.I.P. Martin Milner

@georgedavall9449

1y↑3

R.I.P. to both Martin Milner and George Maharis

@Tinyflypie

2y↑2

I was crazy about this theme as a little kid.

@jorgesixtoantonio3162

4y↑5

ROUTE 66,ROUTE 66,ROUTE 66, THANKS YOU NELSON RIDDLE AND HIS ORCHESTRA

@evelynwinchester4726

Incredible incredible incredible ❤. Im old enough to remember when the show was on the air, albeit very young. Fantastic music.

@felixbautista

Thank you so much for your wondrous attention.

@Virginia220

Too young to drive, I would hear this and envision me in a convertible, wearing a chiffon scarf, and driving at 69mph. Wonderful!!

@kaylawalker312

6y↑10

Wow! Tax free cigarettes and that beautiful car!!! Another one of my favorite tv shows.

@felixbautista

Thank you so much for your kind attention and viewership.

@williamgunter6801

1y↑1

Nelson Riddle was a badass, up there with Henry Mancini, Bert Keampfert, and Percy Fairh. All of them were the Miestros of the 50's!!!😊😊😊

@voyeur62626

6y↑15

Todd Styles and Buzz Murdock.. yeah.

@felixbautista

6y↑1

Thank you Freddy !

@jorgesalini7429

52w

I been living over the route 66 near LA (Azuza Ca.) From 1975 to 77. I feel great memories when i image my dead wife looking the mountains fifty rears ago. ( sorry my englis(