Accordingto the Searcy Sun/White County Record, a group of old rock and rollers from the 50's are trying to get a name change for Highway 67 in Arkansas.  This stretch of highway runs from the edge of White County at Bald Knob and Bradford on through Newport, Tuckerman, Swifton, Walnut Ridge, Pocahontas and on into Missouri. 

Back in the 50,'s, Elvis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and many more would perform at the Silver Moon in Newport.  There was also other clubs, the Wagon Wheel in Bald Knob, Porky's Rooftop in Newport, The Cotton Club in Searcy, Charley's Place and Bob King's at Swifton.  Elvis performed alot in this area, along with the other musicians.

I think it's a great idea, would probally bring tourist in.  The senior consultant on the designation project  is the legend Billy Lee Riley.  He was part of the Sun Studio package between 1955 and 1960, along with Cash, Orbison,  Perkins, Charlie Rich and Jerry Lee Lewis.  Bob Dylan called Riley his hero and idol.  Riley has been inducted in the Smithsonian Institute as one of the pioneers of rock and roll.

Sonny Burgess, who's band was the Pacer's, is also a consultant on the project.  He was inducted in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2002 and in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Europe in 1999.  There are many others working to get this highway renamed, among them Kern Kennedy and Gary Gazaway

Gazaway said, "Rockabilly was birthed in the 40's and 50's along U.S. Highway 67 between Bald Knob, Arkansas, and the Missouri state line." It is known around the world at the music Elvis, Cash, Orbison, Perkins, Riley, Burgess, Jerry Lee Lewis and many other artist of that era. The official designation of the Rockabilly Highway in Arkansas will preserve and memorialize the musicians, music, clubs, and rich history of the most important development of American rock and roll music." Gazaway also stated that this music was the Beatles music of choice.

Today's artists have been widely influenced by yesterday's musicians.  I think this highway should be renamed!  The Rock and Roll Highway would be a great name.