Who performed the song “Real Gone” in Pixar’s Cars?

Sheryl Crow performed “Real Gone” for Pixar’s Cars.

“Real Gone” opens the Cars soundtrack and plays during the film’s early road sequence, establishing Lightning McQueen’s fast-moving, self-confident lifestyle before he reaches Radiator Springs. Crow recorded the song specifically for the film, and it was written by Sheryl Crow, John Shanks, and John Taylor.

The soundtrack combines original songs with music connected to American road culture. Other featured performers include Rascal Flatts, James Taylor, Brad Paisley, Hank Williams, and Chuck Berry. Randy Newman composed the film’s orchestral score and also wrote several songs.

The song is sometimes misattributed to another roots-rock or pop singer because its energetic style fits several artists of the period. “Real Gone” belongs to the 2006 Cars soundtrack, not the later soundtracks for Cars 2 or Cars 3.