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The US National Recording Registry Grows By 50


17 April 2006
Levine report - Download 682k - Download (Real) audio clip
Levine report - Download 682k - Listen (Real) audio clip

A 1917 recording of Nora Bayes singing "Over There," a 1938 radio broadcast of "The Adventures of Robin Hood," Dave Brubeck's 1959 million-selling jazz album "Time Out," and 47 other recordings were the latest selections named by The Library Of Congress to the National Recording Registry.

Buddy Holly's "That'll Be The Day," released just two years before the singer's death, was among the dozens of popular music recordings that range from classical, folk and jazz to gospel, blues and rock. But not to be overlooked are famous radio and television broadcasts, including the 1925 inauguration of President Calvin Coolidge; the Joe Louis-Max Schmelling boxing match; and one of Bob Hope's Command Performance programs from 1942. The first official transatlantic telephone conversation on January 7, 1927, was also added to this year's Registry.

Librarian Of Congress James Billington says these recordings reflect the nation's ever-changing cultural history.

"They represent the diversity, the humanity and the history that lies in our sound heritage. They are a cascading flood of mostly joyous sounds and certainly always creative spirits that flow into the American bloodstream," he said.

Legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix recorded one of the most influential rock and roll albums of all time, Are You Experienced? Honored by its addition to the Registry, Jimi's cousin Robert Hendrix said Jimi's musical contributions continue to endure.

"Jimi and I grew up together and back in the day we never thought, and I know he's looking down on us now thinking, 'The Library of Congress, what an honor," he said.

Also honored was singer Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas and the song that defined the Motown sound, "Dancing In The Street."

"I'm from a large family, a family created by a man named Berry Gordy. Mr. Gordy said he wanted music that would be the sound of young America, and I think he succeeded. I'm very proud to be here today to have one of our songs preserved in the Library of Congress, a song written by Marvin Gaye, Ivy Hunter and William Stevenson. 'Dancing In The Street' goes down in history. Thank you," she said.

To be considered for the National Recording Registry, recordings must be at least 10 years old. The Library of Congress has been selecting recordings of historical significance every year since 2000.

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