Williams, Arizona.

It’s often said that “Life Imitates Art.” In this week’s photo challenge, Cheri Lucas Rowlands asks us to share a photo that demonstrates the old adage. You can read the entire challenge post here.  The photo in my archives that immediately came to mind was taken a few years back when we went to the Grand Canyon. While in the area, we stayed in Williams, Arizona. Historic Route 66 passes through the city of Williams as “It winds from Chicago to L. A.” Though the highway’s usefulness was usurped by the Interstate highway system, the highway flourished in song for years after it outlived its usefulness at a major route westward. Today the road is supported by the National Historic Route 66 Federation. You can read about their work in preserving the history of the iconic highway here.

The photo above depicts the original title of a song written in 1946 by Bobby Troup. In the photo, my wife Lynn is being sure that I “Get (my) Kicks on Route 66.” Originally recorded by the Nat King Cole Trio, over the years, the original title of the song was shortened to “Route 66.” Many artists eventually recorded this anthem of the American highway including Bing Crosby, Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones, and my favorite version by Asleep at the Wheel, among many others. Check out the Youtube video featuring Asleep at the Wheel here. If you get a chance, be sure to get your kicks on Route 66 as well.

John Steiner