You have many hours of driving ahead on Route 66, so I created a list of best songs that you can listen during your Route 66 journey! Let’s see what people listen to immerse in the nostalgia of America’s quintessential road trip. At the end of this post I share my personal playlist that can be found on Spotify! I tried to mix some classic and old tracks with modern ones. Hope you will like it!
1. Chuck Berry – Route 66
One of the most famous songs about Route 66 is Bobby Troup’s “Get Your Kicks on Route 66,” also known simply as “Route 66.” Troup wrote the song during a cross-country trip on the highway after World War II. Chuck Berry’s version, released in 1961, is one of the most popular and influential. Other notable versions include those by Nat King Cole, The Pied Pipers, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, The Manhattan Transfer, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, and John Mayer, who introduced the song to a new generation of fans through its inclusion in the soundtrack of the movie “Cars.” Get ready to “Get Your Kicks on Route 66!
2. Bruce Springsteen – Cadillac Ranch
Another classic song is “Cadillac Ranch,” written by Bruce Springsteen and first appearing on his 1980 album “The River.” The song references the famous Route 66 attraction, the Cadillac Ranch, a public art installation and sculpture located in Amarillo, Texas.
Check this post: Route 66 – The 25 BEST TOP Stops to Visit – Must-see places! What to see?
3. The Blues Brothers/Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock
A great song to play while visiting Joliet is one that pays homage to its famous jail. Joliet Prison, built in 1858, operated until 2002 and was famously featured in the movie “The Blues Brothers.
4. The Eagles – Take It Easy
The mention of “Standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona” instantly evokes the classic rock hit “Take It Easy” by the Eagles. Winslow has embraced the song and created a park in its honor. A great tune to play when visiting Winslow.
5. George Strait – Amarillo by Morning
Picture yourself driving through Amarillo in the early morning, past old motels and restaurants. What better music to accompany the journey than George Strait’s “Amarillo by Morning?”
6. Marlena Shaw – California Soul
A great classic tune recorded by Marlena Shaw is “California Soul.” Written by Ashford & Simpson, this funk-soul song was covered by Shaw in 1969 and is a must-play while visiting California to capture the vibe.
7. Traveller – Chris Stapleton
One of the more contemporary songs on the list is “Traveller” by Chris Stapleton. Stapleton, a renowned country music star in the USA, began his career writing hits for artists such as Kenny Chesney and George Strait. In 2015, he released his first album “Traveller,” which was a huge success and solidified his place as a leading country musician.
8. Ed Bruce – First Taste of Texas
For your visit to Texas, I have a song by Ed Bruce, an American country music songwriter, singer, and actor. He is well-known for writing the 1975 hit “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.” Another great song by him is “First Taste of Texas.”
9. The Doors – Riders on the Storm
During your journey on Route 66, you may encounter rain or even a storm. In that case, “Riders on the Storm” by American rock band The Doors is the perfect song. Released in June 1971 as the second single from their album “L.A. Woman,” this song is a great choice for a rainy drive.
10. The Eagles – Hotel California
The next track is the famous song “Hotel California” by the Eagles, released as a single in February 1977. This song is from the album of the same name and is a great choice to play during your stay in California.
11. Bryan Adams – Summer Of ’69
While not an obvious choice, Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” has an incredible energy that will give you a boost on your long journey along the Mother Road.
12. Dire Straits – Calling Elvis
The song is about an Elvis fan who believes Elvis Presley is still alive, making references to many of his songs, including “Heartbreak Hotel”, “Love Me Tender”, “Love Me (Treat Me Like a Fool)”, “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Return to Sender”, as well as the expression “Elvis has left the building”. Amazing song that will remind and commemorate “King of Rock and Roll”.
13. Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf
Check out the movie clip for this song! “Born to Be Wild” is often associated with biker culture and appearance and is prominently featured in the 1969 film Easy Rider.
A classic American song that is well-known worldwide! “Born in the U.S.A.” is the seventh studio album by Bruce Springsteen, released by Columbia Records on June 4, 1984. The album was a huge commercial success.
15. Billy Idol – Blue Highway
Last but not least, “Blue Highway” by Billy Idol is a unique addition to this list. The song captures the spirit of adventure and freedom associated with traveling on American highways, while acknowledging its risks with the line “Yes, I almost died on a blue highway.” Ironically, Billy Idol himself had a near-fatal motorcycle accident in the late 1990s.
My Route 66 playlist with the best songs
👍 Find out more:
More about songs, stories, trivia, and the best places to visit during your Mother Road trip can be found in my travel guide “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places” available on Amazon.