Library of Congress Adds 25 Recordings to National Registry, Including Swift and Beyoncé
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The Library of Congress has added 25 historically significant recordings to the National Recording Registry for preservation. The new entries span from 1944 to 2014, with Taylor Swift's '1989' and Beyoncé's 'Single Ladies' being the most recent inductees. The registry now contains 700 recordings deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically important.
Facts First
- 25 new recordings added to the National Recording Registry for preservation.
- Taylor Swift's '1989' (2014) and Beyoncé's 'Single Ladies' (2008) are the only entries from the 2000s.
- The oldest new entry is 'Cocktails for Two' (1944) by Spike Jones and His City Slickers.
- The registry now totals 700 recordings earmarked for celebration and preservation.
- Other inductees include Ray Charles's 'Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music' (1962) and the broadcast of 'The Fight of the Century: Ali vs. Frazier' (1971).
What Happened
The Library of Congress has selected 25 new recordings for induction into the National Recording Registry. The list includes albums, singles, and one broadcast, ranging from Spike Jones and His City Slickers' 1944 novelty record 'Cocktails for Two' to Taylor Swift's 2014 album '1989'. Beyoncé's 2008 single 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)' is the only other entry released since 2000. The registry's total holdings now stand at 700 recordings.
Why this Matters to You
This annual selection preserves the audio history that shapes culture, from the mambo craze of the 1950s to the defining pop anthems of today. The recordings chosen may influence what music is studied, re-released, and celebrated for generations. You may find these preserved works more accessible in libraries and archives, and their inclusion highlights the diverse sounds that have defined American music.
What's Next
The Library of Congress will preserve these recordings and may feature them in public programs and online exhibits. The registry is likely to continue its annual tradition of adding 25 recordings, which may include more contemporary works in future years.