The audio selections handpicked for inclusion in this year’s National Recording Registry of The Library of Congress encompass a wide range of iconic moments from the 20th century. From the tale of a misfit reindeer to the infectious beats of a dancing queen, these recordings are a testament to the diverse cultural landscape of our time.
Gene Autry’s iconic holiday classic from 1949, “Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer,” ABBA’s groundbreaking 1976 release, “Arrival,” Blondie’s timeless 1978 album, “Parallel Lines,” and Green Day’s explosive punk-pop masterpiece from 1994, “Dookie,” are just a few of the 25 newly inducted works.
Lt. James Reese Europe’s 369th U.S. Infantry Band began the genre-hopping journey with their 1919 track, “Clarinet Marmalade.” Moving forward, we come across The Notorious B.I.G.’s 1994 hip-hop debut album, “Ready to Die,” and The Chicks’ 1998 hit record, “Wide Open Spaces.”
Lily Tomlin’s 1971 comedy album, “This is a Recording,” adds a touch of comedy to the musical works.
Green Day is set to perform their entire album “American Idiot” during their upcoming tour. The band believes that the themes and messages of the album, which was released in 2004, still hold significance in today’s world.
How are the titles chosen for the National Recording Registry?
The registry now consists of 650 titles, adding to the national library’s vast collection of nearly four million recorded sound items.
The Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, has recently revealed a selection of recorded works that will be preserved due to their cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance. However, it is important to note that the public has the opportunity to submit nominations for potential preservation throughout the year via the Library’s website. Ultimately, the National Recording Preservation Board will make the final decision regarding which works will be included on the preserved list.
This year, the public made a record-breaking 2,899 nominations for recordings to be considered for addition to the registry. You can submit your nominations for next year until October 1st by clicking here.
Elton John and Bernie Taupin were honored by Metallica and Joni Mitchell at the Gershwin Prize ceremony.
Recordings Selected for the 2024 National Recording Registry (in chronological order)
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- “Clarinet Marmalade” – Lt. James Reese Europe’s 369th U.S. Infantry Band (1919)
- “Kauhavan Polkka” – Viola Turpeinen and John Rosendahl (1928)
- Wisconsin Folksong Collection (1937-46)
- “Rose Room” – Benny Goodman Sextet with Charlie Christian (1939)
- “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – Gene Autry (1949)
- “Tennessee Waltz” – Patti Page (1950)
- “Rocket ‘88’” – Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats (1951)
- “Catch a Falling Star” / ”Magic Moments” – Perry Como (1957)
- “Chances Are” – Johnny Mathis (1957)
- “The Sidewinder” – Lee Morgan (1964)
- “Surrealistic Pillow” – Jefferson Airplane (1967)
- “Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bill Withers (1971)
- “This is a Recording” – Lily Tomlin (1971)
- “J.D. Crowe & the New South” – J.D. Crowe & the New South (1975)
- “Arrival” – ABBA (1976)
- “El Cantante” – Héctor Lavoe (1978)
- “The Cars” – The Cars (1978)
- “Parallel Lines” – Blondie (1978)
- “La-Di-Da-Di” – Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick (MC Ricky D) (1985)
- “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” – Bobby McFerrin (1988)
- “Amor Eterno” – Juan Gabriel (1990)
- “Pieces of Africa” – Kronos Quartet (1992)
- “Dookie” – Green Day (1994)
- “Ready to Die” – The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
- “Wide Open Spaces” – The Chicks (1998)
