Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Elton John, Miles Davis Among Those Added to Recording Registry

Oleg Anisimov. Shutterstock.com
Oleg Anisimov. Shutterstock.com

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)

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

MATT CAMERON of Pearl Jam during the BottleRock Music Festival in Napa, California BottleRock Music Festival 2024, Napa, California, u.s - 25 May 2024

Matt Cameron Confirms He’s Not Fully Retired, He’s ‘Still an Active Musician’

Matt Cameron, the renowned drummer for Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, recently sent shockwaves through the rock music world with his…

Al Aumuller/New York World-Telegram and the Sun (uploaded by User:Urban), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

New Woody Guthrie Compilation Includes Recording of ‘Deportee’

A rare and culturally significant release has been announced for fans of music history and socially conscious songwriting. The release…

Iron Maiden - Nicko McBrain Sweden Rock Festival, Solvesborg, Sweden - 07 Jun 2018

Retired Iron Maiden Drummer, Nicko McBrain, Announces July 2025 Shows

Nicko McBrain, the renowned drummer from Iron Maiden, is poised to hit the stage once more, albeit in a new…

Jelly Roll CMA Fest 2025, Day 2, Nashville, Tennessee, USA - 06 Jun 2025

Jelly Roll is Not Happy with Logan Paul’s Interruption at WWE ‘Smackdown’

The intersection of music and wrestling has always offered unique entertainment dynamics, but the recent WWE SmackDown event in Nashville…

Singer Emmanuel Kelly (R), English singer Chris Martin (C) of Coldplay, US singer Doja Cat (C-L), Colombian singer J Balvin (2-L), and Nigerian singer Tems (L) perform during the halftime show of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, 13 July 2025. FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final - Chelsea vs PSG, East Rutherford, USA - 13 Jul 2025

Watch Coldplay & Others Perform at The FIFA World Cup Halftime Show

The FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, witnessed a historic halftime show that…

Singer/musician MICHAEL MCDONALD formally of THE DOOBIE BROTHERS seen at the Ninth Annual Love Rocks NYC Benefit Concert For God's Love We Deliver held at the Beacon Theater. 9th Annual Love Rocks NYC Benefit Concert For God's Love We Deliver, New York, USA - 06 Mar 2025

Michael McDonald Wants to Be a Doobie Brother Indefinitely

Michael McDonald, an iconic figure in the rock music scene, has been a quintessential part of The Doobie Brothers. His…

Kevin Parke of the psychedelic music project band, Tame Impala NOS Primavera Sound Festival, Porto, Portugal - 09 Jun 2022

Tame Impala Teases New Music on Social Media

Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker is creating a buzz in the music world with hints of new material. Recent updates across…

This Is Spinal Tap, David Kaff, Christopher Guest

Spinal Tap Keyboardist, David Kaff, Dies at 79

Recently, the music world bid farewell to David Kaff, a versatile musician and actor most renowned for his role as…

Don Barnes, 38 Special in concert at Celebrate Virginia Live!, Fredericksburg, Virginia, America - 20 May 2011

38 Special to Release First Album in Over 20 Years

In a spectacular culmination of five decades in the music industry, legendary southern rock band 38 Special is celebrating its…