Coffee With Jim, June 15, 2025

It made quite a stir when introduced in October 2014. Soon the musical road near Tijeras, New Mexico, a Route 66 community, that played a portion of "America The Beautiful" when driven over at a certain speed became quite an attraction.

But did you know that the idea of creating a musical highway is linked to the creative genius of Walt Disney? Surprisingly the concept is even older as the polyphon, a popular type of 19th-century disc-playing music box, used the same concept. 

On today's episode we visit with Chris Hill and Pete Thompson, the visionaries behind the Route 66 musical road. And they have big plans for celebrating the Route 66 centennial.

Officially recognized as a centennial project by the Route 66 Centennial Commission, the ”Musical Road” project will add a new dimension to the Route 66 celebration and create an attraction that will enhance the Route 66 adventure for years to come. Curious? Join us for a lively and fascinating conversation that is sure to inspire a road trip or two.

Today's program is sponsored by the bespoke road trip holiday specialists for an adventure in the US or Canada, RouteTrip USA. It is also made possible with listener support through Patreon, and by Roadrunner Lodge Motel, a 1960s gem, the Cactus Inn Motel in McLean, Texas, Two Lane America - We're making the great American road trip easier than ever, the iconic Wagon Wheel Motel, the legendary Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park, and Gilligan's Route 66 Tours - if Route 66 is on your bucket list. you've come to the right place.