Michael Wallis, ‘Mother Road’ author to speak Friday at Missouri Southern

Michael Wallis, instrumental in the renaissance of Route 66 with the release of his 1990 book, “Route 66: The Mother Road,” will present a free lecture about the past, present and future of the Route at 7 p.m. Friday at Missouri Southern.

“The Mother Road” was written “on the brink” of the 75th anniversary of Route 66, is credited with single-handedly encouraging new generations of Roadies to seek their own Route 66 experience.

Now, 25 years later, facing the centennial in 2026, his book is still relevant today.

Wallis also worked with John Lasseter, the creator of the Disney/Pixar “Cars” franchise. He and his wife, Suzanne, traveled the route with Lasseter and his team as creative consultants to learn, in Lasseter’s words, “the Spirit of Route 66.”

In the movie, Wallis is the voice of Sheriff, embodied by a 1949 Mercury Club Coupe Police Cruiser – with the front grille designed to resemble his mustache.

Wallis has truly earned the moniker The Godfather of Route 66.

The lecture will be at 7 p.m., Friday, April 4, in Corley Auditorium, Webster Hall, on the Missouri Southern State University campus. There will be time for questions and answers after the lecture.

The Joplin Historical Society and Visit Joplin are sponsoring the event.