Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven,” John Lennon’s Imagine, the Madonna album “Like a Virgin,” and the theme music from “Super Mario Bros.” now share a unique distinction.
They are some of the latest recordings being added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, to be preserved for future generations.
The Library announced 25 audio recordings — also selected Déjà Vu, one of the rock era’s greatest albums, by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; John Denver’s ballad Take Me Home, Country Roads; Mariah Carey’s holiday hit, All I Want for Christmas Is You; the fifth studio album by The Police, Synchronicity; “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics; and one of Louis Armstrong’s earliest recordings, Sugar Foot Stomp.
Sherry, the first number one by The Four Seasons; Jackie DeShannon’s recording of the Burt Bacharach-Hal David song What the World Needs Now Is Love; Bobbie Gentry’s Ode to Billie Joe; Jimmy Buffett’s breakup classic Margaritaville; jazz great Wynton Marsalis’ Grammy-winning Black Codes (From the Underground); and Irene Cara‘s Oscar-winning theme to the movie Flashdance.
“The National Recording Registry preserves our history through recorded sound and reflects our nation’s diverse culture,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “The national library is proud to help ensure these recordings are preserved for generations to come.”
The recordings added this year bring the number of titles on the registry to 625, a small portion of the Library of Congress’ vast recorded sound collection, encompassing nearly four million items.
Even among John Lennon's many beautiful songs, “Imagine” is a standout in terms of resonance and recognition. The anthem for peace and understanding has become a balm for people in difficult times and has been covered by everyone from Diana Ross to Dolly Parton. #NatRecRegistry pic.twitter.com/u6PdDGppny
— Library of Congress (@librarycongress) April 12, 2023
.@ledzeppelin's high-concept “Stairway to Heaven” (1971) begins with just an acoustic guitar, a recorder & Robert Plant's vocals, evolving over 8 minutes into the thunderous rock classic it is, with evocative lyrics that are famously open to interpretation. #NatRecRegistry pic.twitter.com/ZPvtaClByS
— Library of Congress (@librarycongress) April 12, 2023
