Route 66-Goodnight Sweet Blues

Originally aired October 6, 1961

[@carolyngrant5990]

What a beautiful episode this is! The marvelous Miss Ethel Waters and my Mother, Billie Allen, playing Cora Adams. A whole cast of beauty and talent.

[@22AGS]

Thank you for helping us all remember Ethel Waters and such a fine talented cast! There is NOTHING like this on TV these days.

[@lorrainem8234]

💯💖

[@patrickryan1515]

2021 And still nothing like this.

[@mimiluvfromsf]

My white momma looked and acted just like her! I was a little girl when she starred in

[@NotMister]

I agree, so much depth and character in each show.

[@seansvoice]

Coleman Hawkins! Jo Jones! Roy Eldridge! Miss Ethel Waters! What a GREAT cast!

[@davenorth8922]

Beautifully done!! And in 1961? Before the Civil Rights movement. Priceless!

[@elizabethlubart507]

I remember this episode like it was yesterday. I was 13. I'm now 73. R.I.P. Ethel Waters. Marvelous episode.

[@badvideo169]

yep we got old

[@C.A._Old]

Always will remembered.

[@gray7863]

One of the best episodes of Route 66 and there were oh so many. Ethel Waters was a national treasure !

[@gray7863]

Back when I was in film and TV production in college one of the first things that we were taught was you have to take your audience on a journey, kind of like a roller coaster ride with the ups and downs being the audience's emotions. That was how you got them involved in the story you were telling. So many of the Route 66 stories did this to me as a young boy and years later even more so .

[@C.A._Old]

Always will remembered.

[@g09254]

I remember this one, I was just a kid I’m 69 now and what memories it had bought back. Thank you so much

[@12speeder]

I remember this episode from way back when (1961?). I was about 17 at the time, watching it with my parents. At the end we were all in tears, Guess what--over 50 years later, here I am, in tears.

[@booper521]

They sure don't have TV shows like this anymore. So interesting and meaningful. Put me in a time machine and let me go back.

[@garyranieri3856]

and what a theme song!

[@willagranger633]

Good evening. Please take me with you.

[@paulkudish3017]

Ditto

[@verasmith4767]

The music made the show. I can see it now.

[@davidbussell7799]

I would also like to go with you in the time machine. It was a much better time than the corruption and madness off today.

[@eduardoramirezjr4403]

This what prime time television use to be.

[@davidwesley2525]

It's Nothing But CRAP Now.

[@xfhghe]

What a sweet episode. Nothing in the least bit dated. It seemed so real, not just because of the acting which was excellent, but in the end isn't human relationships and love of beauty that matters in life?

[@davidgill6715]

A great great great episode

[@davidgill6715]

The best part is when Jennie dies and King does his solo

[@scotnick59]

Miss Waters was nominated for an Emmy for her performance here.

[@herrp8765]

I'm amazed and pleased that a show in the early 60s would showcase Black actors. That had to be quite a breakthrough at the time. Good work on the producers to make this happen in 1961 in the US.

[@eotto2001]

Good god, that is Coleman Hawkins and Roy Eldridge! Then there is Jo Jones, too. Wow! What a gift.

[@douglasthompson9482]

I get very emotional about this episode. This is a classic of tv in general. Ethel Waters is fabulous…. I love it.

[@boris1932]

Now that was a T.V. Show! Great drama lasts forever

[@biged7796]

One of the best episodes From one of the best tv series

[@conniecrawford5231]

So proud this was filmed in the city Beautitul, Pittsburgh! I remember when this happened.

[@caddyjoint96]

I love the line, "You can't get six out of six." It really seems that life is like that. Sometimes you can get all, but that's rare. Love the warmth, wisdom and compassion of an old black lady. I'll have to read up on Ethel Waters to catch up on her history. I was a child when this show aired and did not yet appreciate this kind of social messaging.

[@johnhirtle4300]

Sterling Silliphant was way ahead of his time. There is no better example than this gem.

[@C.A._Old]

Always will remembered.

[@axiomist1076]

This show had some of the best writing . Many of the episodes were written by Stirling Sylliphant , a master writer. I was a teen during this period , which was the real Golden Age of television , with shows like Rt 66, Outer Limits, Twilight Zone, One Step Beyond, Ozzie and Harriet (with Ricky Nelson). Now its all garbage : stupid shows and even more stupid commercials every 3 minutes. I got rid of my cable more than 10 years ago. My TV set is just for watching my collection of over 200 films and some great programs , which I have on dvd. Rt 66 is one of them.

[@badvideo169]

bu but but they have romantic interludes! which dr is screwing which nurse

[@jeffyjohn5673]

Those were the days, I was born just a few years later. Martin Milner was also in Adam 12. He was just about 30 in this episode. Rest in Peace, he just passed last year. Why can't they make shows like this now...

[@24sweetroller7]

When I was growing up in Pittsburgh in 1961, I saw a lot of movie equipment when I was on the trolley going past the Coston Funeral Home. I had no idea what was going on until I saw the episode Goodnight Sweet Blues when it aired months later that year. Wow, was it fun to watch! This episode was one of my early influences of jazz. Pretty cool!

[@searchlight18]

Good story... Who would have thought 50 some years later I would hear that story from you. Thanks.

[@24sweetroller7]

You're welcome.

[@billymatthews7346]

I have my dental cleaning and exam every six months, and the lady that helps me, in from Pittsburgh and any bit ole-school....Pirates/Steelers/Penguins/and the city.....look for to talking and hearing about the Steel city ....and this route 66 showing.....👌

[@DiamonK1960]

Love watching Route 66 episodes. This one is great. The music is awesome... sound like the music in New Orleans.

[@gordonreed2736]

I was just born when this came on n 4 when it ended. I remember the sounds of d show. It has called me back. Sterling Syliphant is the man.

[@roblundie8486]

Ethel Waters this time !! Wow !! Great stars to be found sprinkled throughout Route 66. What an unparallelled TV series !! I dare any producer now to come up with anything as good.

[@ilovemartinmilner]

I agree!

[@C.A._Old]

Always will remembered.

[@waynewright2886]

Best Damn Episode of ALL of the Route 66 Episodes EVER!

[@ChazzDixonMusic]

I remembered watching this when it first aired. I cried then and now, so beautiful. It's a real piece of history. Thank you so very much for posting!!!!

[@corkylee885]

Its so nice to see the classics, They had feelings and love in them, What most kids today need, GODS love, May you all have a blessed one.

[@ssppeellll]

Corky Lee Kids need the love of God? "your children will die at birth or perish in the womb." "I heard the LORD say ... 'Kill them all - old and young, girls and women and little children'." "at midnight the LORD killed all the firstborn sons in the land of Egypt" "I will release wild animals that will kill your children" "Their little children will be dashed to death ... They will have no mercy on helpless babies and will show no compassion for the children." Of course, this is all taken out of context. If you read these quotes in context, it will be clear how just the Lord is. Because these are the children of people who have pissed off God. And everyone knows that children deserve to be brutally killed for their parents' offences. What a just, compassionate, merciful, loving God! Yes, children need His love! On second thought, I'd rather put my child in the care of a pedophile. At least the pedophile isn't likely to kill my child.

[@stankatic8182]

And a good sock in the jaw from Todd Styles !

[@elijahhaswings1588]

@@ssppeellll I'm not trying to argue, please read beyond the Old Testament. The New testament talks about love.

[@YouTubeallowedmynametobestolen]

@@elijahhaswings1588 "please read beyond the Old Testament" This is like a lawyer defending a man who has admitted to beating his children until they were a bloody pulp saying, "Oh, but look beyond his brutal beatings. He often read nice bedtime stories to his children!"

[@adnerbnomrah9076]

Ashley of Ashley Says So brought me here. Prior to viewing her video featuring Ethel Waters, I had no idea that she had ever appeared on Route 66. Ethel Waters was a true talent. May she rest in peace.

[@conniecrawford5231]

Our lovely Pittsburgh is no where near the freak Route 66 but the Burghers turned out in masses to see this show filmed in our wonderful city with these very popular actors!

[@shirleylangton7967]

To have friends for life, whether they're together or not is so rare anymore. This show really touched me, and the music was so wonderful.

[@michaelmartinez1345]

This had to be the best episode of this show, ever... Just Happy times and great Jazz, with the very best acting and scenes available.... Wow....

[@pamelamoore5795]

I saw this today. It was the first time I've ever seen Ethel Waters perform anything. I've always heard of her and I've seen her pictures. This was great. By the end of this episode I was in tears.

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

One of the greatest Route 66 episodes - and I think it won an award. The music, the acting, the writing, the guest stars from the jazz world - just fantastic. I’ve watched this 1961 episode many times and the first moments, the way that sad, poignant yet buoyant music works with the guys in the car coming out of the tunnel just gets me.

[@C.A._Old]

Always will remembered.

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

@@C.A._OldDear Ms. Waters, you meant to say always will BE remembered.

[@44032]

The "Memphis Naturals" includes three authentic jazz legends: Coleman Hawkins on tenor sax, ("Snooze Mobley"); Roy Eldridge on trumpet, ("A. C. Graham") and Jo Jones, the drummer ("Lover Brown"). Juano Hernandez, Frederick O'Neal and Bill Gunn are actors by trade.

[@bassmangotdbluz]

What a cast ...Ethel Waters, Coleman Hawkins, Roy Eldridge and Jo Jones, too

[@gregorymccray4116]

Wow this is amazing! This must have been one of those broadcast where whole black neighborhoods tuned in to see that rare phenom at the time. A black face on American television.

[@cwya8757]

+Gregory Mccray Most black faces only saw a television at the white folks' house they worked at I'm sorry to say. My 'Lizbet is still my heart's true mama and I cried my heart out when she passed.

[@oluhamilton2121]

BINGO! It's like we were invisible in that virtual realm.

[@StinkFingerr]

Don't forget Rodney Allen Rippy, and Bill Cosby.

[@sridharanv.k.881]

Real touching episode and Ethel Waters steals the show. Thanks for posting

[@nomiclas]

Great story,a real tear jerker.

[@paulwilliams419]

I'm so glad that I came across this episode again. I saw part of this one other time, and the performance of the great Ethel Waters made it very special! The best of all the Route 66 episodes!

[@carlosdj4884]

Great Episode w Ethel Waters... just saw today great jazz and blues musicians

[@oliviaclairejamieson5960]

Thank you for this. This is the episode I remember the most because I am a fan of Ethel Waters. I wished I could see it every day! I like the comment she makes to Buz while he's comforting her in the car: "That mad on you had when you opened the door. I could feel the sparks coming off you when you opened the door." This is such a special story. I happened to find it while looking for the music & lyrics to George's song "Love Me As I Love You", which I had played at my wedding in 1970.

[@albertlaplante5536]

Anyone noticed that there wasn't any racial tension, even when these young carefree travelers almost had a head on with this out of controlled black elderly lady. Who turns their focus around into helping her with her very cool last wish...which everyone should be so fortunate to have!!! Thanks for utube for viewing this timely episode...they are providing such a fantastic service getting stories like this out to the people. Not to mention all the music that one has access to in these days of limited radio...unless you happen to be a fan of the left end of the dial. That the FCC in all its wisdom reserved for noncommercial listening. That's all for now!!!!

[@1234pouvez]

@@albertlaplante5536 To answer your question, speaking just for me, No, I didn't notice something that wasn't supposed to be part of the storyline, wasn't there. The writers were Will Lorin and Leonard Freeman They didn't write a story about race or racial tension. The story they wrote was about a former singer who wants to see the band members she performed with in the past. When Buzz opens her car door, he sees an elderly lady in great distress, asking for her medication. There would be no racial tension there. I don't expect or want a story to be about race, or racial tension just because the guest star is African American. By the way, the only two Emmy nominations that this television series received in the four-year run happened to be for Ethel Waters for this Guest staring role and George Maharis for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Series, both in 1962.

[@albertlaplante5536]

@Jade Quest I am pleased to see how much this episode has gotten seeing how long ago it originally air I am going to view this gem again, it's such a benchmark in my viewer eyes! Thanks for all the replies, hugs all around.

[@rogermaes6001]

What a marvelous story, and, as usual, so simple. Those guys knew write a script. I'm not the crying type, but for this episode did my eyes wet. Thank you very much for sharing this, and for the joy of seeing and hearing Ethel Waters, once again.

[@simon5005]

The TV writing was SO MUCH BETTER back in these old days.

[@dpetrano]

Watching this extraordinary talent typical of TV 50 years ago, is why I can no longer watch or stomach the CRAP that's being produced today.

[@rondogon48]

DEAR SWEET ETHEL WATERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rickybee]

Seems like yesterday they were filming this in Pittsburgh. 50 years!! The cast stayed downtown in the Hilton and I got to meet George Maharas. Miss Waters voice is still so clear! What a wonderful memory for me! Even though some of the other scenes were supposed to be other cities, they were all Pittsburgh.

[@andersport]

This was probably a breakthrough for television at the time when there were very few , if any, Blacks were on television. This was before the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

[@kingbee1500]

+andersport I remember our family watching this excellent episode around our Motorola TV...I was seven years old. I remember, as a middle-class Black family, we always scanned the newspaper (Louisville Courier-Journal/Times) and TV Guide for appearances by Black actors, artists and newsmakers. Dad was a bakery route salesperson and Mama was a teacher...strong, smart people!

[@andersport]

That's the way most Blacks lived. Many of us lived in nice neighborhoods and kept them clean. It wasn't like Cooley High or Good Times portrayed on TV. Most blacks worked for themselves, the factories for the Detroit Three, or the federal or local government like my dad (US Post office). Check out my novel Paul & Rosa (Authorhouse.com, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble online.) It's the way Blacks really lived.

[@davidgill6715]

There was a great amount of jazz in this episode, but the greatest moment is when King plays at the end

[@javiersilva5612]

Such an amazing piece of fine work a masterpiece.

[@carlosbright9615]

I was 6 years old when this episode aired on television. MeTv play a lot of old television series like Route 66. With all the depressing things going on right now in the United States, I miss the old days. Not so much segregation or racism. Now there's too much confusion in the United States with multiculturalism. Black Americans have contributed a lot to this country they help to built. Now Hispanics and others are able to come here because black Americans paved a way for them to be here, and they forget very quickly. Martin Milner died last year. I enjoyed seeing him in Adam 12 as well.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

Carlos Bright - I was 8 in 1962 and remember watching this show on Friday nights at 8:30 . I got to stay up " late" to see it ! You are right about the USA being in a mess . Our government has done a dismal job the last 35 years. Our American culture and heritage means nothing to politicians. Best wishes to you ...🌾

[@carlosbright9615]

James California , I hope ME t.v. will bring back this series in its late night line up. George is 89 years old still living.

[@starrmeadows5045]

James California It is not the government but the people who do nothing & try to get the government to do what people should be doing

[@jamescalifornia2964]

@D W - I am glad we can watch them on KZbin 👌 I just looked at an old "Marcus Well M.D."

[@jimvines4194]

Excellent episode. Truly.

[@JHarder1000]

One of the hundred greatest TV episodes, ever. Absolutely wonderful.

[@andersport]

This is my favorite Route 66 episode. I think this is one of the first episodes that featured black actors on television.

[@glennso47]

She was driving a 53 Chevrolet when she almost crashed into the Corvette.

[@MisterRightAway]

This was a GREAT show. I think it's hysterical there's a whole generation of knuckleheads out there that won't watch something if it's in black and white. They"re missing out on an entire world of kick ass entertainment. Route 66 used to travel around the country and film on location. This was truly some of the best written television ever! Todd and Buzz did seem to often get themselves into situations that only a couple of kids would... LOL. Thanks for posting this.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

~ Beautiful episode. Nothing like this today ... • George Maharis recently passed away at age 95 ✨️

[@marioaranda711]

magnificent ... what helped shape my youth into manhood.... so very grateful for Rt 66 , and these genuine people and music, a real story , shared ! lol

[@thegypsyman9043]

They just don't write scripts like this anymore. Kudos to Sterling Silliphant in particular. His shows had a certain "noir" to them that was immediately recognizable. You'd see it in The Naked City & others as well.

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

Silliphant was brilliant. This episode was penned by Will Lorin.

[@brettmosser9222]

...proud of the fact that she is from my hometown of beautiful downtown CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA

[@christygum3384]

Wow ! Can’t wait to share this rare gem.❤️

[@PhilippeRR1]

Dear friends, brothers and sisters, I am Christian. That went straight to my heart. GOD wrote that script. It's just too touching a story!

[@ssppeellll]

Philippe Renaud Actually the story was written by Leonard Freeman and Will Lorin; the teleplay was by Will Lorin. Some might find it blasphemous that you worship them as gods.

[@PhilippeRR1]

ssppeellll Great job by both Leonard FREEMAN and Will LORIN! I did not mean to worship them as gods. Rather, it felt as though GOD had planted a seed in both these gentlemen. This seed grew into a most touching spiritual story. That's what I meant when I said "GOD wrote that script." Please forgive me for not better controlling my enthusiasm, and thank you for the education!

[@ssppeellll]

Philippe Renaud Fair enough, Philippe. Thanks for writing back.

[@PhilippeRR1]

ssppeellll No problem! Loved that episode (and I love that Corvette).

[@nickwride2023]

Well, there's a good reason not to watch it. Enough of the religious bullshit. It's all fairy tales and fables anyway.

[@PhilippeRR1]

Thank you friends for bringing us that episode! Ethel Waters as Jenny is most touching. Lots of levels being tackled with here...

[@gordonreed2736]

Yeah in these shows the stars were in d background n let the story come from d common man...woman.

[@blackhorse11thACR]

Loved Route 66 when I was a kid. What a great show.

[@musictheoryforeveryone7938]

The Golden Age of TV, mostly the 1960’s when some of the most endearing shows and even greater music originated.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

Absolutely 💯 👌

[@kanamine78]

I think this is the finest episode of one of the finest shows ever on television. Ethel Waters is sensational here and when Juano Hernandez finally finds the courage to play his horn -- better grab the Kleenex. God bless KZbin for allowing a format that can save moment of classic tv like this. They are difficult at best to find on dvd. BTW -- does anyone have the episode "Suppose I Said I Was the Queen of Spain"? Lois Nettleton is heartbreakingly brilliant there.

[@TheBigOnkelDolf]

The early 60s, and one of the best tv shows ever! Recommended.

[@marksullivan6427]

Absolutely wonderful episode!

[@shogunMR]

Brought tears to my eyes. Love is love.

[@allenwayne2033]

WOW! Back when broadcast TV had actual quality programming! A far cry from the cesspool it is today!

[@jamescalifornia2964]

Sad but true ...

[@DanielGraybeal1961]

the bad old times were so much better than now; i would rather have lived then than now

[@samuraijack57]

Thank you for posting this. I remember watching it was I was 9 years old,it is what made me want to be a Musician and play blues music which I have been doing the last 38 years.

[@kimvallejo]

I have seen this twice and sobbed both times....thanx!

[@hoagland1943]

Fantastic television show. The in depth writing of this show alone makes today's television a joke in comparison. One can certainly tell that the two actors,Milner and Maharis have a good working chemistry in their roles. Let's all push for more acting and good dialogue from shows in the future. Thank you and please up-load more of Route 66 in the near future. I'll be ordering the full four years of Route 66 DVD's from Amazon tomorrow. Columbus, Ohio

[@jamestyler7697]

Ethel Waters received an Emmy nomination for her performance in this, and she probably should have won (ironically lost to Julie Christy, whom she co-starred with in Member of the Wedding)

[@billkirchner6738]

Julie Harris, not Julie Christie

[@davidgill6715]

A great hour of television

[@johnbaggus9966]

Wow!! Stunning music brilliant TV show , thanks for uploading 👍

[@zigfried64]

Interesting fact: That is Marni Nixon singing on the jazz record. They were not able to get any of Ethel's early recordings due to rights issues, so they hired Marni to come in and got her to sound like a young Ethel. Marni was famous for providing the singing voice to Deborah Kerr, Natalie Wood, and Audrey Hepburn.

[@davidbussell7799]

This is an excellent episode. I am grateful to be able to watch this and am saddened in a way to compare the high atandards and careful production of this fine production and compare to our current cultural fare.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

We are lucky to watch these old gems 👌

[@C.A._Old]

Always will remembered.

[@Cristian1929]

I'm a jazzer and I love love love this chapter and Ethel Waters, Thanks for this !!!! 05-05-2019

[@edmilan1]

Perfectly performed by all these superb artists. Yes, artists is the appropriate word. I feel like I have feasted on nectar and ambrosia watching this episode of a long-gone classic TV series. Nothing like it today.

[@patrickryan1515]

What a cast; and Ethel Waters - what a joy. Thank you so much for this upload! I wonder if this episode won an Emmy; it should have. 1/2019

[@oluhamilton2121]

Every once in a while TV gets it right. Route 66 had great scripts and music. I was only seven when this series aired, but for some reason I watched it regularly. Hmmmm.

[@RogerRoddComedian]

How far ahead of the world was the writer of this teleplay? Brilliantly acted, poignant but not sappy. Today we have Snookie. RIP America.

[@oluhamilton2121]

Not to mention HONEY BOOBOO. Sigh.

[@davidwesley2525]

@@oluhamilton2121 Today's celebrities have No class , and little or No Talent.

[@gregorymcleod1347]

I loved this ❤ episode! I love jazz music 🎷 🎺 🎶 🎵! It was so good to see Ethel Waters! So good 👍! One Beautiful episode of Route 66!

[@source4magic]

What a gem!

[@jjj1951]

When television was worth watching

[@justthink5854]

wonderful show as always. please send more!!! Ethel Waters was a treasure and won an emmy!

[@justthink5854]

changed the spelling. lol

[@birdlynn417]

This show has heart. ❤

[@jjj1951]

A tv show in 1961 centered on a black story line. I wonder how many CBS affiliates in the South refused to show it.

[@timlewisjazz]

god that was great! thanks!!!

[@HisboiLRoi]

Holy shit! Ethyl Waters just kills in this role.

[@ralphroe5625]

Maybe my favorite tv episode of all time. The best of television is uplifting and redemptive. Not much of that in this year's fall lineup.

[@harrietandrade9284]

I agree with Elizabeth. This magnificent episode has always stayed with me. Especially because of the greats - Bill Gunn and Juano Hernandez. Beautiful exquisite Ethel Waters tears your heart out with her lovely speaking voice and expressive eyes. George Maharis and Martin Milner held it all together.

[@conniecrawford5231]

Great episode to film in Pittsburgh!

[@ilovemartinmilner]

I know she was on "Daniel Boone" after this but I think this was one of her last. Her voice was so beautiful.

[@miapdx503]

Ethel Waters was just an exceptional human being. I read her autobiography, it was so good, the title escapes me, the name of a gospel song...

[@1234pouvez]

Her first autobiography was "His Eye is on the Sparrow" published in 1951 and The second was "To me it's Wonderful" published in 1972.

[@miapdx503]

@@1234pouvez Yes! I read the first one, it grabs you from the first page. True stories are always more interesting. Thank you 🌹

[@joeburns6379]

Billie Allen from the Phil Silvers Show...crying at 48:25.

[@kinscat]

Bravo. They don't make them like that anymore.

[@ralphroe5625]

If it doesn't touuh something very deep inside me then why do I break down in tears each time I watch it?

[@edholohan]

Just wonderful!