Library of Congress Inducts 25 New Recordings to National Registry

WASHINGTON — The Library of Congress has announced its latest batch of recordings to be added to the National Recording Registry. This year, 25 audio recordings have been officially inducted, showcasing notable works including the original Broadway cast recording of ‘Hamilton,’ Tracy Chapman‘s self-titled debut album, and Amy Winehouse’s acclaimed ‘Back to Black.’

The additions, revealed by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden on April 9, highlight a diverse range of genres, from jazz and country to Broadway and video game soundtracks. Hayden emphasized the cultural, historical, and aesthetic importance of these recordings, stating, ‘These are the sounds of America – our wide-ranging history and culture. The National Recording Registry is our evolving nation’s playlist.’

This year’s list brings the total number of titles in the registry to 675, reflecting a broad spectrum of American musical heritage. Other significant additions for 2025 include Elton John’s classic album ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,’ and the theme song from the iconic video game ‘Minecraft,’ composed by Daniel Rosenfeld, also known as C418.

The recording recognized as the oldest in this year’s round is ‘Aloha ‘Oe’ by the Hawaiian Quintette from 1913, while the most recent is the 2015 cast album of ‘Hamilton.’ Lin-Manuel Miranda, the musical’s creator, expressed his gratitude for the inclusion, stating, ‘I feel incredibly honored that Hamilton is a point in that timeline.’

Also highlighted is the 1960 radio broadcast of Game 7 of the World Series, where announcer Chuck Thompson called the climactic moment when Bill Mazeroski hit a home run, clinching the championship for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hayden remarked that this broadcast, like many others inducted, marks a significant moment in American history.

With over 2,600 nominations submitted from the public, the registry aims to capture the essence of sound and music that reflects the American experience. By preserving these recordings, the Library of Congress ensures that future generations can connect with the rich tapestry of the nation’s auditory history.

The complete list of new additions includes iconic works such as:

• ‘Aloha ‘Oe’ – Hawaiian Quintette (1913)
• ‘Bitches Brew’ – Miles Davis (1970)
• ‘Hello Dummy!’ – Don Rickles (1968)
• ‘Fly Like an Eagle’ – Steve Miller Band (1976)
• ‘Before the Next Teardrop Falls’ – Freddy Fender (1975)
• ‘I Am Woman’ – Helen Reddy (1972)
• ‘My Heart Will Go On’ – Celine Dion (1997)

As the Library of Congress continues to expand its collection, the preservation of these works serves as a reminder of the cultural significance of music and audio recordings in shaping America’s identity.