Ironically, I just listened to the other “Route 66” by Asleep at the Wheel not 15 seconds before coming to this thread ;-)
And having just read Linda Ronstadt’s book “Simple Dreams”, where she speaks powerfully of her admiration for Nelson Riddle, I’ve listened to the Route 66 Theme a half dozen times in the last week. It’s one I can listen to all day and never get tired of, just a terrific piece of music from one of the most talented arrangers and composers of our time.
Thanks for bringing up Linda Ronstadt. I forgive (most of)her liberal outbursts because of her delightful voice. Apparently, Nelson did not know of think much of Linda Ronstadt when he was first asked to work with her. One of his daughters did know Linda’s work quite well, and said, ‘Don’t worry Dad, Linda is OK, her checks will not bounce. Nelson also arranged the production on Nat King Cole’s Mona Lisa. That became a huge hit and led to many more sessions of studio work with Nat and Nelson Riddle.