Road Trip!

This edition of Music 101 explores the history, the highways, byways, routes, and allure of the American road. 

Summer is perfect road trip weather, and there are plenty of songs about the open road. The railroad might have paved the way for American’s fondness for travel, but the highway paved the roads. These songs are tailor made for that great American dream – hitting the road, without destination or plans in store. 

Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” name checks some 85 places he’s been. Roger MIller is the ultimate “King of the Road”. Willie Nelson is “On The Road” again, and again. You’ve got Bruce Springsteen taking the “Thunder Road” and Death Cab For Cutie with you on the sublime “Passenger Seat’. Those and many more, in the playlist below.

Breathe the mountain air, man. And enjoy the open road.