The Library of Congress is far more than a bunch of books, documents, and artifacts. It houses the National Library Service of talking books and since the year 2000, the LOC has selected 25 recordings they consider “audio treasures worth of preservation for all time” for the National Recording Registry.
The 2024 list added to the Registry includes modern rock, pop, rap, jazz, and Christmas music.
The selections range from a jazz recording from 1919 to a 1998 Country music album,
The 2024 Library of Congress National Registry selections ( in chronological order):
“Clarinet Marmalade” by Lt. James Reese Europe’s 369th U.S. Infantry Band from 1919
“Kauhavan Polkka” by Finland’s Viola Turpeinen and John Rosendahl from 1928
The Wisconsin Folksong Collection from 1937 to 1946
“Rose Room” by the Benny Goodman Sextet with Charlie Christian from 1939
“Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry from 1949
“Tennessee Waltz” by Patti Page from 1950
“Rocket ‘88” by Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats from 1951
“Catch a Falling Star” and “Magic Moments” by Perry Como from 1957
“Chances Are” by Johnny Mathis from 1957
“The Sidewinder” by Lee Morgan from 1964
“Surrealistic Pillow” by Jefferson Airplane from 1967
“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers from 1971
“This is a Recording” by comedian Lily Tomlin form 1971
“J.D. Crowe & the New South” by J.D. Crowe & The New South from 1975
“Arrival” by ABBA from 1976
“El Cantante” by Hector Lavoe from 1978
“The Cars” by The Cars” from 1978
“Parallel Lines” by Blondie from 1978
“La-Di-Da-Di” by Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick from 1985
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin from 1988
“Amor Eterno” by Juan Gabriel from 1990
“Pieces of Africa” by the Kronos Quartet from 1992
“Dookie” by Green Day from 1994
“Read to Die” by The Notorious B.I.G. from 1994
“Wide Open Spaces” by The Chicks ( formerly The Dixie Chicks” from 1998