The National Recording Registry, part of the Library of Congress, added 25 recordings to the registry that represent the cultural and diversity of America including Everly Brothers’ Cathy’s Clown and U2’s Joshua Tree.
According to Variety the registry, created in 2002, now includes 400 recordings deemed by the library to be “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” That’s a fraction of the Library’s collection of 3.5 million sound recordings.
Other recordings added included Jeff Buckley’s rendition of “Hallelujah”, Issac Hayes’ soundtrack to Shaft, and iconic R&B tunes “Dust My Broom” by Elmore James and “Caledonia” by Louis Jordon. Non-musical recordings also included Lyndon B. Johnson’s collection of presidential recordings.
All Access Music Group also noted Librarian of Congress James H. Billington as stating “we must ensure that our nation’s aural legacy is protected.” He went on to state the National Recording Registry is at the forefront of this effort.
The National Recording Registry website has complete lists for all eleven years of inductees, giving synopsis’ and stories behind each preserved recording.