Alicia Keys’ soulful 2001 debut album, “Songs in A Minor,” Ricky Martin’s boisterous “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” and Queen’s epic “Bohemian Rhapsody” are just a few of the latest recordings being added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, to be preserved for future generations.
On Wednesday the Library announced 25 audio recordings spanning nearly a century are being inducted to the Registry, a compendium of sound recordings deemed representative of America’s artistic, cultural and historic treasures.
Also selected this year:
Linda Ronstadt‘s 1987 collection of mariachi songs, “Canciones de Mi Padre”
Bonnie Raitt‘s album “Nick of Time””Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
Max Roach‘s avant-garde jazz suite, “We Insist!”
Wu-Tang Clan‘s first album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).”
Also going in “Ellington at Newport” Duke Ellington’s concert at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival speeches by President Franklin D. Roosevelt; New York radio station WNYC’s September 11, 2001 broadcast about the attack on the World Trade Center, just blocks from their studio; and a 2010 Marc Maron podcast featuring guest Robin Williams discussing comedy, insecurity and suicide.
The recordings in the Registry, which encompass all genres — including rock, pop, jazz, classical, country, folk, gospel, Broadway and spoken word, as well as radio broadcasts and now podcasts — have been recognized as vital to our nation’s audio legacy.
“The National Recording Registry reflects the diverse music and voices that have shaped our nation’s history and culture through recorded sound,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “The national library is proud to help preserve these recordings, and we welcome the public’s input. We received about 1,000 public nominations this year for recordings to add to the Registry.”