Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Prestigious Recordings from Elton John, Miles Davis, and “Hamilton” Join National Recording Registry
LOS ANGELES – Iconic albums and singles from music legends such as Elton John, Miles Davis, Tracy Chapman, Mary J. Blige, Helen Reddy, and Celine Dion, alongside the celebrated cast recording of “Hamilton” and the innovative sounds of “Minecraft,” are being enshrined in America’s esteemed audio heritage via the National Recording Registry.
Groundbreaking Albums Enter the Archive
The Library of Congress has selected a diverse collection of 25 recordings for induction into the National Recording Registry, class of 2025. This year’s selections feature albums recognized for their profound cultural, historical, and aesthetic influence, including:
- Miles Davis’s 1970 jazz-rock fusion masterpiece, “Bitches Brew”
- Elton John’s chart-topping 1973 double album, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”
- Tracy Chapman’s introspective 1988 debut album, “Tracy Chapman,” featuring the hit single “Fast Car”
- Mary J. Blige’s deeply personal and resonant 1994 album, “My Life”
- The original Broadway cast recording of the groundbreaking 2015 musical, “Hamilton”
Singles and Diverse Sounds Recognized for Enduring Impact
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced the 2025 selections on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of preserving these sonic treasures. “These recordings embody the sounds of America — our expansive history and culture,” Hayden stated. “The National Recording Registry serves as our nation’s ever-evolving playlist, safeguarding our rich audio legacy.”
Iconic Singles and Unique Selections
Joining the albums are equally significant singles that have resonated across generations:
- Helen Reddy’s empowering 1972 anthem, “I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar”
- Celine Dion’s globally acclaimed ballad from the film “Titanic,” 1997’s “My Heart Will Go On”
In a notable departure from typical musical selections, the registry is also recognizing:
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- The original score for the popular video game “Minecraft,” composed by German producer Daniel Rosenfeld and featured on the 2011 album “Minecraft: Volume Alpha.”
- The iconic reboot sound for Microsoft’s Windows 95 operating system, crafted by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Brian Eno.
Sports Broadcast and Vintage Recordings Honored
Adding to the eclectic mix is Chuck Thompson’s captivating radio broadcast of the pivotal 1960 World Series Game 7, where Bill Mazeroski of the Pittsburgh Pirates secured victory with a dramatic home run against the New York Yankees.
A Century of Sound: From 1913 to 2015
The selected recordings span over a century of sonic history. The earliest recording to be inducted this year is the 1913 rendition of “Aloha ’Oe” by the Hawaiian Quintette, while the most contemporary is the 2015 “Hamilton” cast album, featuring music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Additional Albums Entering the National Recording Registry
Rounding out the album selections are a diverse array of influential works:
- Don Rickles’ irreverent 1968 comedy album, “Hello Dummy”
- Chicago’s self-titled debut album, 1969’s “Chicago Transit Authority”
- Thelma Houston & Pressure Cooker’s energetic 1975 album, “I’ve Got the Music in Me”
- Steve Miller Band’s classic rock album from 1976, “Fly Like an Eagle”
- Amy Winehouse’s soulful and poignant 2006 album, “Back to Black”
Career-Defining Singles by Legendary Artists
Joining Reddy and Dion, other enduring singles by celebrated artists are also being added to the registry, acknowledging their lasting impact on music history:
- Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’s timeless 1952 farewell song, “Happy Trails”
- Freddy Fender’s bilingual 1975 hit, “Before the Next Teardrop Falls”
- Charley Pride’s uplifting 1971 country crossover hit, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’”