National Recording Registry Inducts Weezer, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and More

The National Recording Registry was established in 2000. It seeks to preserve 25 diverse audio recordings each year, to ensure long-term survival. The list is curated by the Library of Congress and includes recordings deemed “culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant,” reflecting American life and culture. The acting Librarian of Congress, Robert R. Newlen, named 25 recordings as audio treasures to be inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2026.

The 2026 selections include various genres, including country, folk, funk, pop, jazz, sports, R&B, rock, and Latin. Robert R. Newlen included a statement, “Music and recorded sound are essential, wonderful parts of our daily lives and our national heritage. The National Recording Registry works to preserve our national playlist for generations to come.”

The chair of the National Recording Preservation Board, Robbin Ahrold, said, “The sweep and diversity of the National Recording Class of 2026 beautifully captures the scope of the American experience as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. From icons of R&B to a holiday favorite en Español, from legendary sports broadcasts to this generation’s superstars, it is a thrilling reflection of America at its best.”

The National Recording Class of 2026 Includes:

The public made more than 3,000 nominations this year, and among them, the most nominated was Weezer. Their debut album, The Blue Album, has officially been inducted into the class. Other inductees span 70 years and include The Byrds’ single “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season),” the Rumor Has It album by Reba McEntire, “Midnight Train To Georgia” by Gladys Knight and the Pips, Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music by Ray Charles, and a beloved Christmas classic, “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano.

Taylor Swift’s iconic album 1989 marked her shift into pop music, and it has also been inducted. Beyoncé’s massively successful single “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” has been included as well. The Go-Go’s debut album, Beauty And The Beat, Vince Gill’s signature hit “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” and Chaka Khan’s crossover hit “I Feel For You” were also announced. Additionally, Broadway’s original cast of Chicago was selected.

Selected singles from the 1940s and 1950s include Paul Anka’s “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” Kaye Ballard’s “In Other Words (Fly Me To The Moon),” Perez Prado’s “Mambo No. 5.” The earliest recording selected was “Cocktails For Two” by Spike Jones and His City Slickers, released in 1944.

The Wheel, Rosanne Cash’s 1993 album, was included. She and Johnny Cash have become the first daughter-father duo included in the National Recording Registry.