Who wrote the song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66"?

"(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" is a popular rhythm and blues song, composed in 1946 by American songwriter Bobby Troup.

The lyrics relate a westward roadtrip on U.S. Route 66, a highway which traversed the western two-thirds of the U.S. from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California. The song became a standard, with several renditions appearing on the record charts. Robert William Troup Jr. (October 18, 1918 – February 7, 1999) was an American actor, jazz pianist, singer, and songwriter. He acted in the role of Dr. Joe Early with his wife Julie London in the TV program "Emergency!" in the 1970s. He also produced her million-selling hit record "Cry Me a River".

Julie London (September 26, 1926 – October 18, 2000) was an American singer and actress whose career spanned more than 40 years.

Troup got the idea for the song on a cross-country drive from Pennsylvania to California. He aspired to be a Hollywood songwriter, so he and his then wife, Cynthia, packed up their 1941 Buick and headed west. The trip began on US 40 and continued along US 66 to the California coast. The song was composed on the ten-day journey. The lyrics mention several cities and towns along the way.

Troup initially considered writing a tune about US 40, but Cynthia suggested the title "Get Your Kicks on Route 66".

Nat King Cole, with the King Cole Trio, first recorded the song in 1946.

The song has become a standard and has been recorded by numerous artists.