LOS ANGELES (AP) – The National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress has announced its newest inductees, including iconic albums and songs from renowned artists such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Chaka Khan, and The Go-Go's. These selections highlight the cultural and historical significance of music in the United States.
The latest class of 25 recordings, set to enter the archive in 2026, was announced by acting Librarian of Congress Robert Newlen on Thursday. Among the notable entries is Taylor Swift's landmark 2014 pop album “1989,” which propelled her to superstardom. Beyoncé’s iconic 2008 single “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” which became an anthem for empowerment, also appears in this prestigious list. Other significant inductees are Chaka Khan's genre-crossing hit “I Feel for You,” Vince Gill’s poignant ballad “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” and The Go-Go's pioneering debut album “Beauty and the Beat.”
In a statement, Newlen emphasized the importance of music and sound in American life, saying, “Music and recorded sound are essential, wonderful parts of our daily lives and our national heritage.” He noted the National Recording Registry's role in preserving these audio treasures for future generations. The selections were carefully chosen based on their “cultural, historical or aesthetic importance” to the nation's recorded sound legacy.
Additional significant recordings making their way into the registry include Ray Charles’ influential country crossover album “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music,” Reba McEntire’s “Rumor Has It,” Rosanne Cash’s “The Wheel,” and Weezer’s self-titled debut album, popularly known as “The Blue Album.” The list also features classic singles from music legends such as Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Byrds, José Feliciano, and Paul Anka.
Among the more unconventional choices for this year's registry are the soundtrack from the groundbreaking 1993 video game “Doom” and the radio broadcast of “The Fight of the Century,” which captured the legendary 1971 heavyweight boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. The cultural impact of these selections underscores the diverse nature of what constitutes an important piece of recorded sound history.
The oldest recording included in this year's class is the 1944 single “Cocktails for Two” by Spike Jones and His City Slickers, while the most contemporary entry is Taylor Swift’s “1989.” This year's induction marks a notable milestone as it represents the first recordings by both Swift and Beyoncé to be included in the National Recording Registry. The Library of Congress reported that over 3,000 public nominations were submitted for consideration this year, reflecting a robust public interest in the preservation of musical heritage.
In conclusion, the National Recording Registry continues to celebrate and honor the artistry and cultural impact of significant recordings, ensuring they are preserved as a part of America's historical and musical legacy.
