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Library of Congress Adds 25 Iconic Recordings, Including Swift, Beyoncé

5/14/2026

Summary

Librarian Adds Recordings

Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen announced 25 recordings added to the Recording Registry, including Taylor Swift’s 2014 album 1989, Beyoncé’s 2008 hit “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”—first appearances—and Go-Go’s 1981 album Beauty and the Beat, Weezer’s 1994 “Blue Album,” and Chaka Khan’s “I Feel for You.”
Over 3,000 nominations were received, raising Registry’s total to 700 recordings of four million works before the Oct. 1 deadline for the 2027 class.

Summary

Congress Announces Classics

Library of Congress announced 2026 class, which includes 1944’s Spike Jones “Cocktails for Two”, 1970’s José Feliciano “Feliz Navidad”.
Recordings must be at least ten years old, have an existing copy, and be culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
Since 2002 Library selects a modest number of recordings, spanning mambo to hip-hop breakbeats such as “Amen, Brother.”
Weezer marked Blue Album’s 30th anniversary in 2024 with a tour and sweater-boxed set.

Summary

Ahrold Marks Anniversary

Robbin Ahrold (chair of the National Recording Preservation Board) said the 2026 National Recording Registry class marks America’s 250th anniversary.
The 2026 registry includes the first father-daughter inductees, with Rosanne Cash joining her late father Johnny Cash, who entered in 2003.
The registry also preserves the March 8 1971 broadcast of the Fight of the Century between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

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Librarian Adds Recordings

Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen announced 25 recordings added to the Recording Registry, including Taylor Swift’s 2014 album 1989, Beyoncé’s 2008 hit “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”—first appearances—and Go-Go’s 1981 album Beauty and the Beat, Weezer’s 1994 “Blue Album,” and Chaka Khan’s “I Feel for You.”
Over 3,000 nominations were received, raising Registry’s total to 700 recordings of four million works before the Oct. 1 deadline for the 2027 class.

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