What's a road trip without the perfect soundtrack? For the eight-state journey through Route 66, drivers need the ideal accompanying songs. Thankfully, this classic American road trip has shaped countless anthems over the years, inspiring dozens of anthems to get you started.
So, before you head off on your Route 66 adventure, make sure you have your playlist ready.
1) (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 – King Cole Trio
Since being released in 1946 by songwriter Bobby Troup and the King Cole Trio, (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 has been subsequently reprised by the likes of Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones, John Mayer and George Benson.
The song is inspired by Troup's own road trip with his wife, where he composed the song over the 10-day trip between Pennsylvania to California.
2) Take It Easy – The Eagles
Released by The Eagles in 1972, Take It Easy was the band's first single. While this song isn't directly about Route 66, it does reference one small town along the famous route in the line "Well, I'm a standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona."
This one line is credited with saving Winslow when the I-40 bypass was built during the late 1970s. You can now stop at Winslow, Arizona to grab a photo of the life-sized statue of Glenn Frey which proudly stands on the corner. With the large Route 66 sign on the road, it's hard to miss this piece of American history!
3) Life Is a Highway – Tom Cochrane
Released in 1991 by Tom Cochrane, Life Is a Highway is a classic road trip song that must feature on your Route 66 playlist. With its catchy lyrics and tune, everyone knows the words to and will be more than happy to belt out even if they can't hold a tune.
Life Is a Highway was also used in the original Cars soundtrack, meaning even your kids can probably join in.
4) Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf
Route 66 is all about American freedom and getting back to simpler times – exactly the hallmark of Steppenwolf's 1968 hit Born to Be Wild. The song evokes strong emotions around hitting the road on your motorcycle with your mates, not worrying about anything else and being as free as possible.
Perhaps Born to Be Wild could be your pump up anthem before you start each day of your motorcycle tour!
If you would like to learn more about going on a Route 66 adventure, get in touch with our team today – we look forward to hearing from you.
