The best TV show instrumental themes: #5 "Route 66"

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“Route 66” (1960-64) was about two young guys named Tod and Buzz tooling around the country in a Corvette. The show did wonders for Corvette sales and making it the coolest American sports car. The unique aspect of “Route 66” was being completely filmed on location all over the country (it was not restricted to Route 66) that provided atmosphere and realism. Stories centered on the guys’ adventures, their odd jobs and people they met. Plots were often socially conscious and depicted ordinary people which was rare for that era. CBS did not want to pay royalties to Bobby Troup for “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” so Nelson Riddle was hired to compose an original theme. His jazzy composition with the tinkling piano intro became a popular hit earning two Grammy nominations. Riddle was a renown arranger/composer/orchestra leader best known for his collaborations with Frank Sinatra and Linda Ronstadt.