2026 National Recording Registry: Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and More Music Icons Honored
Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have added another achievement to their long list of accolades as their music is being recognized on the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry. The 2026 lineup includes iconic songs and albums such as Swift’s “1989” album, Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” The Go-Go’s debut album “Beauty and the Beat,” Weezer’s self-titled debut album, Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” Paul Anka’s “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” and the original Broadway cast of “Chicago.” These selections are considered essential parts of our national heritage.
This year’s class of inductees also marks a significant milestone with Rosanne Cash’s album “The Wheel” joining her father Johnny Cash’s “At Folsom Prison” in the registry, making them the first daughter-father duo to be included. The new additions cover a wide range of genres and eras, including Latin, R&B, broadcast standouts, house music, and video game music.
Belinda Carlisle of The Go-Go’s expressed pride in the band’s legacy and the impact of their music. She looks forward to future generations recognizing the band’s importance in music history. The selection process for the National Recording Registry involves nominations from the public, with over 3,000 submissions considered this year. The recordings chosen must be at least 10 years old and deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
With the addition of the 25 new entries, the National Recording Registry now boasts 700 titles, a fraction of the Library of Congress' vast recorded sound collection. The public can nominate recordings for future consideration on the Library’s website until October 1st. The recordings are listed in chronological order, showcasing the diverse range of music and sounds that have shaped our cultural landscape.