National Recording Registry 2022: Celebrating Musical Icons and Cultural Treasures
The Library of Congress has announced the latest additions to the National Recording Registry, which includes recordings by artists such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, The Go-Go’s, Vince Gill, and Weezer. These recordings are recognized for their cultural, historical, and artistic importance to the United States. The registry aims to preserve these audio treasures for future generations to enjoy.
Among the newly added recordings are Taylor Swift's 2014 album "1989," Beyoncé's hit song "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," The Go-Go’s debut album "Beauty and the Beat," and Chaka Khan's hit "I Feel for You." The selection spans 70 years of recorded sound, from Spike Jones and His City Slickers' 1944 single "Cocktails for Two" to Swift's "1989," showcasing a diverse range of musical genres and eras.
This year's inductees also include recordings by Ray Charles, Reba McEntire, José Feliciano, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Paul Anka. The selection process involved over 3,000 public nominations, with Swift and Beyoncé being recognized for the first time in the registry. The inclusion of Rosanne Cash's album "The Wheel" alongside her father Johnny Cash's "At Folsom Prison" marks a unique father-daughter induction.
Vince Gill expressed that his song "Go Rest High On That Mountain" is the work he most wants to be remembered for, highlighting the personal significance of these recordings to the artists. Members of The Go-Go’s also shared their excitement about being included in the Library of Congress collection, with singer Belinda Carlisle expressing her honor and Jane Wiedlin reflecting on the band's legacy in breaking barriers for women in rock music.
The National Recording Registry, established in 2000, celebrates the rich tapestry of American music and sound recordings. Each year, 25 recordings that have cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance are selected for preservation, ensuring that these musical treasures continue to be appreciated for years to come.