One of the most popular songs ever sung by Chuck Berry was "Route 66," probably better known as "Get Your Kicks on Route 66."
It's also one of the most famous songs about cars and America ever written. While Berry's version is probably the most widely recognized recording, it was originally written in 1946 by Bobby Troup, an American songwriter.
The first person to record "Route 66" was Nat King Cole, the same year it was written. Since then, The Rolling Stones, Depeche Mode and John Mayer have all sung the classic hit.
In the song, lyrics describe the famous highway that treks across America from Chicago, Illinois, all the way to Los Angeles, California. Stops along the way mentioned in "Route 66" include Joplin, Missouri; Oklahoma City; Amarillo, Texas; Gallup, New Mexico; Flagstaff, Arizona; Barstow, California, and a few other communities in the Golden State.
Driving down Route 66 in the 1940s and 50s was an iconic American road trip that diminished with the development of interstate highways.
Parts of the route still exists today, but the actual designation of "Route 66" ended in 1985. A trip along the former highway is well worth it as there are many landmarks and gorgeous scenery along the way.