The National Recording Registry has added 25 significant recordings to its collection, including notable works from Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Chaka Khan.
Cultural Milestones in Music
Music and recorded sound are essential, wonderful parts of our daily lives and our national heritage.
Robert Newlen, Acting Librarian of Congress
- Taylor Swift's album '1989' (2014)
- Beyoncé's 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)' (2008)
- Chaka Khan's 'I Feel for You'
- Vince Gill's 'Go Rest High on That Mountain'
- The Go-Go's 'Beauty and the Beat'
This year's inductees reflect a diverse array of musical genres and eras, chosen for their cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance. Other noteworthy entries include Ray Charles' 'Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music' and Weezer's debut album.
Among the more unusual selections are the soundtrack from the 1993 video game 'Doom' and the radio broadcast of the legendary 1971 boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
The oldest recording in this year's class is Spike Jones' 1944 single 'Cocktails for Two,' while Swift's '1989' represents the latest addition. Notably, this marks the first time both Swift and Beyoncé have had their work selected for the registry.
The Library of Congress received over 3,000 public nominations for this year's registry, showcasing the rich tapestry of American music history.