Yesterday’s story about a survey suggesting that domestic road trips will be the first element of travel to resume post-COVID got us thinking about the classic Ray Charles song, “Hit the Road Jack.”

Originally written and released by Percy Mayfield (a cappella) in 1960, Charles added piano chops and shot to No. 1 in 1961, picking up a Grammy along the way.

The song has been covered countless times – including by Calgary’s Stampeders in 1976, complete with tongue-in-cheek cameo by DJ Wolfman Jack – but will always be synonymous with R&B great, Charles.

Enjoy this version from 1979 – 2:41 of magic featuring the incomparable Gladys Knight (and her Pips).

Related story: https://travelindustrytoday.com/king-of-the-road/