We live in a rock’n’roll world. Most people aged six to 76 have enjoyed what’s loosely called rock’n’roll at some time in their lives.

Rock Around The Clock was the first rock’n’roll hit in the early 1950s, but was heavily influenced by a Hank Williams song from 1947, Move It On Over. If you were 18 in 1947, then you’re 80 this year.

Rock’n’roll in its various forms crashed over the 60s generation like a great wave, becoming the soundtrack to people’s lives.

And so it continues with each new generation.

Now, in 2009, rock’n’roll is something we have in common with our grandchildren.

In 1946, songwriter Bobby Troup composed Route 66, which lists the towns and cities that US Highway 66 passes through. Nat King Cole recorded it that year, followed by many other performers since then, including Chuck Berry, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, the Rolling Stones and John Mayer.

Whatever your age, there’s a good chance you have enjoyed this song. I was a teenager when the Stones’ version hit the charts in 1964 and it’s still a favourite ‘road song’ of mine.

Open Road writer Paul Rodger wasn’t born in 1964, but somehow in his youth he absorbed this song. So when we asked him to fly to America to drive Route 66 in a Mustang, he was out the door and on the plane before you could say “Flagstaff Arizona, don’t forget Winona”.

His story starts on page 50 and it’s a great read for anyone who loves rock’n’roll and dreams of owning a Mustang. NRMA Travel has a Route 66 Mustang tour coming up soon if you want to experience it for yourself.

While Paul was getting hip taking that California trip, deputy editor Kris Ashton was on a rail journey through outback Queensland (see his story on page 44 of the magazine), and I was looking for the heart and soul of NRMA’s coastal holiday parks (story starts page 58 of the magazine).

During my trip, I saw evidence of changing lifestyles on the NSW coast – the influence of a growing tide of rock’n’roll generation retirees. As often as I noticed bowling greens sadly turning to weed, I saw lines of surfers in their sixties riding long boards on early morning beaches. I imagine the Beach Boys, Creedence Clearwater Revival or the Stones were playing in the jukeboxes of their hearts.

At Diggers Beach, Coffs Harbour, a balding baby-boomer drove his classic Mustang convertible into the car park. Malibus stuck out from the back seat, and the music from the speakers was unmistakable: Well it goes from St Louie down to Missouri. Oklahoma City looks oh so pretty…

Mick Jagger got his kicks on Route 66. So did Paul Rodger.

Now it’s your turn.

Editor-in-chief David Naylor

Open Road May/June 2009