Taylor Swift’s ‘1989,’ Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies’ and Records From Ray Charles, the Go-Go’s, Byrds, Weezer, Reba and More Inducted Into National Recording Registry

The Library of Congress has officially welcomed 25 new audio works into its esteemed National Recording Registry, a collection dedicated to safeguarding the nation's sonic heritage. This year's eclectic lineup spans contemporary pop milestones, such as Taylor Swift's "1989" and Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," alongside vintage treasures like Spike Jones and His City Slickers' 1944 novelty track "Cocktails for Two." The inclusion of these 21st-century recordings marks a significant departure from the registry's traditional focus on older material, bringing the total number of preserved works to 700. Each entry is recognized for its cultural, historical, or aesthetic importance. Dr. Amelia Torres, a musicologist at Georgetown University, observed, "This year's selections represent a conscious effort to bridge generational divides, ensuring that younger audiences see their own musical heritage reflected in the nation's archives." The registry, established in 2000, now holds recordings dating back to the late 19th century, with nominations submitted by the public and reviewed by the National Recording Preservation Board.

The 1990s contribute five entries, showcasing a broad spectrum from country to alternative rock. These include Reba McEntire's "Rumor Has It," Rosanne Cash's "The Wheel," and Weezer's self-titled "Blue Album," alongside Vince Gill's poignant single "Go Rest High on That Mountain" and Bobby Prince's groundbreaking soundtrack for the video game "Doom." Prince's work, composed for id Software's 1993 first-person shooter, is a rare example of video game music earning such distinction, highlighting the growing recognition of interactive media as a legitimate art form. The 1980s are represented by four inductees: the Go-Go's "Beauty and the Beat," Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble's "Texas Flood," Chaka Khan's "I Feel For You," and Jamie Principle and Frankie Knuckles' "Your Love." The Go-Go's album, a landmark for all-female rock bands, spent six weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 in 1982, while "Your Love" is a foundational work in house music, emerging from Chicago's underground club scene. The latter track, often credited with shaping the genre, was originally released on vinyl in 1984 and later remastered for wider distribution.

The 1970s offer five selections, including José Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad," Gladys Knight and the Pips' "Midnight Train to Georgia," the Charlie Daniels Band's "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," the original Broadway cast album for "Chicago," and the iconic 1971 broadcast of "The Fight of the Century: Ali vs. Frazier." This last entry, a radio call of the legendary boxing match at Madison Square Garden, underscores the registry's commitment to preserving live events as sonic documents. The 1960s feature Oliver Nelson's jazz masterpiece "The Blues and the Abstract Truth," Ray Charles' genre-blending "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music," the Byrds' "Turn! Turn! Turn!," and the Winstons' "Amen, Brother." The Winstons' track is particularly notable for its drum break, which became one of the most sampled recordings in hip-hop history, appearing in thousands of songs from N.W.A to Oasis. The 1950s are highlighted by four singles: Paul Anka's "Put Your Head On My Shoulder," Pérez Prado's "Mambo No. 5," Ruth Brown's "Teardrops from My Eyes," and Kaye Ballard's "Fly Me to the Moon." Robbin Ahrold, chair of the National Recording Preservation Board, emphasized the collection's breadth, stating, "The sweep and diversity of the National Recording Registry class of 2026 beautifully captures the scope of the American experience as we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary." He added that the selections offer "a thrilling reflection of America at its best."

Several inducted artists shared their reflections on the honor. Belinda Carlisle of the Go-Go's expressed her pride, noting the band's role in breaking barriers: "As far as the Go-Go's' legacy, the biggest accomplishment is that we broke the glass ceiling." Chaka Khan described "I Feel for You" as a moment of convergence for Prince's genius and Stevie Wonder's harmonica, calling the Library of Congress recognition a validation that the recording was "history, not just a hit." Vince Gill revealed that "Go Rest High on That Mountain," written after his brother's death, is the song he most wants to be remembered for, despite its modest chart performance. José Feliciano, reflecting on "Feliz Navidad," said, "I feel blessed that for over 60 years, I've been able to share my music, making others happy." The Library of Congress has also produced video interviews with several of these artists, further documenting the stories behind these enduring recordings. This year's list, according to Ahrold, is part of a broader effort to engage the public in dialogue about what constitutes America's audio legacy, with nominations open to submissions from the general public. The registry's website now features a searchable database of all inductees, allowing users to explore the full scope of the collection.