One of the often overlooked aspects of the Song as Art is the songwriter. Today, I’m going to write about one particular songwriter, Bobby Troup and his song (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66. I have always liked this song but did not connect it to Troup for a long time. Especially since my memories of Troup are as an actor rather than a singer/songwriter. (If you’re my age or thereabouts, you probably remember Troup as one of Jack Webb’s favorite actors. Younger people may remember his bit in the movie M*A*S*H where he plays the jeep driver (G*d Damn Army!))

I have been listening to Route 66 for years and years, by a variety of artists and groups (a few of which will be seen below) but had never run across a version of Troup singing until I went looking specifically. Here’s a YouTube from his wife’s (Julie London) TV show where he sings it:

Around the same time as Troup’s first recordings of Route 66 comes one of the most well known versions by Nat King Cole. You’ll notice it stays fairly close to style of Troup’s version above:

Then we have a version from the Rolling Stones where the tempo picks up just a bit:

And we will finish this little discussion by taking a little trip down south for the Asleep At The Wheel version with a little Swing and Country styling:

If you ever have the time to take a road trip and travel along the Mother Highway, I heartily recommend it. And if you can do so while playing Route 66 along the way, no matter which version may speak to you, please do so. Enjoy the trip!