Elton John, Miles Davis Among Those Added to Recording Registry

The Library of Congress has unveiled its most recent annual list of entries for the National Recording Registry, a highly regarded initiative that chronicles the nation’s auditory heritage. Each year, 25 recordings are meticulously selected and inducted, revered for their cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. These selections not only underscore the rich tapestry of America's musical and auditory landscape but also preserve these invaluable sound recordings for posterity. The list now encompasses a total of 675 entries from the vast array of America's nearly 4 million recordings, ensuring these soundbites, ranging from iconic melodies to pivotal broadcasts, remain accessible for future generations.

Among the 2025 inductees are several notable additions, each exemplifying a distinct aspect of the nation’s audio legacy. Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road stands out, featuring beloved tracks such as “Bennie and the Jets” and “Candle in the Wind.” This album is emblematic of John's artistic brilliance and has resonated with audiences across generations. Another significant entry is the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Hamilton, a show that redefined musical theater with its poignant storytelling and innovative musical arrangements. By including these works, the Registry not only celebrates popular and critical successes but also underscores the enduring influence these recordings have had on both culture and industry.

The Registry’s new entries also reflect the public's engagement, with over 2,600 nominations received. Interestingly, Chicago Transit Authority, the eponymous debut album from the band Chicago, tallied the most public nominations, illustrating the album's impact and enduring popularity. This album, alongside others such as The Steve Miller Band’s Fly Like an Eagle, reflects a dedication to preserving the diversity of American music. Each selection captures a unique aspect of the American experience, from the nuanced sounds of rock ensembles to the thematic and melodic complexity of pop music that dominated airwaves during their time.

Inclusion on the Registry is not exclusive to music. This year, the iconic Microsoft Windows Reboot Chime, composed by Brian Eno, has also been honored, emphasizing technology's role in shaping the auditory experiences of the digital age. Eno’s composition, created to convey a sense of welcome and optimism, is a reminder of the everyday sounds that have woven their way into the fabric of modern life. Such inclusions broaden the understanding of sound heritage beyond traditional music, encompassing influential technological sounds that marked transitions in the digital era.

As expressed by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, the National Recording Registry is akin to an audio time capsule, offering a cohesive narrative through sound. It serves as an evolving playlist of America’s cultural journey, preserving everything from historical broadcasts and comedy albums to the vibrant music that has defined eras. This allows each generation to engage with significant audio experiences from the past, offering a window into the socio-cultural narratives these sounds represent.

Check Out the Full List of 2025 National Recording Registry Additions Here:

• “Aloha ‘Oe” – Hawaiian Quintette (1913) (single)
• “Sweet Georgia Brown” – Brother Bones & His Shadows (1949) (single)
• “Happy Trails” – Roy Rogers and Dale Evans (1952) (single)
• Radio Broadcast of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series – Chuck Thompson (1960)
• Harry Urata Field Recordings (1960-1980)
• “Hello Dummy!”– Don Rickles (1968) (album)
• “Chicago Transit Authority” – Chicago (1969) (album)
• “Bitches Brew” – Miles Davis (1970) (album)
• “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” – Charley Pride (1971) (single)
• “I Am Woman” – Helen Reddy (1972) (single)
• “El Rey” – Vicente Fernandez (1973) (single)
• “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” – Elton John (1973) (album)
• “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” – Freddy Fender (1975) (single)
• “I’ve Got the Music in Me” – Thelma Houston & Pressure Cooker (1975) (album)
• “The Kӧln Concert” – Keith Jarrett (1975) (album)
• “Fly Like an Eagle” – Steve Miller Band (1976) (album)
• Nimrod Workman Collection (1973-1994)
• “Tracy Chapman” – Tracy Chapman (1988) (album)
• “My Life” – Mary J. Blige (1994) (album)
• Microsoft Windows Reboot Chime – Brian Eno (1995)
• “My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion (1997) (single)
• “Our American Journey” – Chanticleer (2002) (album)
• “Back to Black” – Amy Winehouse (2006) (album)
• “Minecraft: Volume Alpha” – Daniel Rosenfeld (2011) (album)
• “Hamilton” – Original Broadway Cast Album (2015) (album)