The Library of Congress has announced 25 new additions to its National Recording Registry, featuring an eclectic mix of musical works, broadcasts, and digital sounds that reflect America's diverse cultural heritage.
Among the notable inductees, the original Broadway cast recording of "Hamilton," Tracy Chapman's self-titled debut album, and the atmospheric soundtrack of the video game Minecraft have earned their places in this prestigious archive.
The 2024 selections span over a century of recorded sound, from Princess Lili'uokalani's "Aloha 'Oe" (1913) to Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical "Hamilton" (2015). The registry, established in 2000, now preserves 675 recordings deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
"These are the sounds of America – our wide-ranging history and culture. The National Recording Registry is our evolving nation's playlist," said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.
The diverse collection includes works from celebrated artists like Elton John, Mary J. Blige, and Amy Winehouse. Unexpected additions feature the 1995 Microsoft Windows startup chime composed by Brian Eno and a historic 1960 World Series broadcast.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose "Hamilton" joins the registry during the show's 10th anniversary, reflected on the honor: "The National Recording Registry is an artistic version of a nation's conversation with itself. To listen to these recordings is to hear points in a timeline, to time travel."
The registry also recognizes cultural artifacts like songs from Japanese American sugar cane workers in Hawaii and performances by comedy legend Don Rickles, showcasing the breadth of American recorded sound heritage.
Selected recordings will be featured on NPR's "The Sounds of America" series, bringing these historical treasures to a wider audience.