Taylor Swift’s album 1989 and Beyoncé’s hit song Single Ladies are among the 25 recordings newly chosen for preservation by the Library of Congress.
By Website Content Manager
Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The National Recording Registry has revealed its latest group of inductees, raising the overall number of preserved recordings to 700.
An unforgettable album by Taylor Swift, a massive hit from Beyoncé and a beloved holiday tune are among the 25 recordings chosen for this year’s induction into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry.
The Library of Congress unveiled the new additions on Thursday, May 14, calling them “audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time” because of their cultural, historical and artistic significance to America’s recorded sound legacy.
The 2026 class covers a wide range of genres and eras. Selections include Swift’s 2014 album 1989, Beyoncé’s 2008 smash “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” José Feliciano’s festive 1970 track “Feliz Navidad,” Reba McEntire’s 1990 album Rumor Has It, Vince Gill’s 1994 ballad “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” Paul Anka’s 1959 hit “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” and Chaka Khan’s 1984 classic “I Feel for You.”
Additional recordings entering the registry are “Cocktails for Two” by Spike Jones and His City Slickers (1944), “Mambo No. 5” by Pérez Prado (1950), “Teardrops from My Eyes” by Ruth Brown (1950), “Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words)” by Kaye Ballard (1954), Oliver Nelson’s The Blues and the Abstract Truth (1961), Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music by Ray Charles (1962), “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” by The Byrds (1965), “Amen Brother” by The Winstons (1969), and the March 8, 1971 broadcast of the legendary boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
Other entries include “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight and the Pips (1973), the original cast album of Chicago (1975), “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band (1979), The Go-Go’s’ Beauty and the Beat (1981), Texas Flood by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble (1983), “Your Love” by Jamie Principle and Frankie Knuckles (1986–1987), Rosanne Cash’s The Wheel (1993), Doom composer Bobby Prince’s soundtrack for the game (1993), and Weezer’s 1994 self-titled release, also known as The Blue Album.
“The sweep and diversity of the National Recording Registry class of 2026 beautifully captures the scope of the American experience as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary,” National Recording Preservation Board chair Robbin Ahrold said in a statement. “From R&B legends to a bilingual holiday favorite and from a historic sports broadcast to modern-day superstars, this year’s selections showcase America at its finest.”
More than 3,000 recordings were nominated for consideration in 2026. This marks the first time works by Swift and Beyoncé have been added to the registry. It is also the first occasion a father and daughter are both represented, as Rosanne Cash joins her father, Johnny Cash, whose At Folsom Prison entered the registry in 2003.
Gill reflected on the recognition for “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” saying the song holds deep personal meaning for him.
“I’ve been writing songs for over 50 years, and if you asked which one I’d want to be remembered for, this would be it without question,” he shared. “Commercially, it wasn’t one of my biggest hits, but the impact it’s had on people is what truly matters to me. I wrote it while grieving my older brother. I never intended to record it myself, but producer Tony Brown insisted the world needed to hear it.”
Khan also celebrated the honor, describing “I Feel for You” as a showcase of Prince’s songwriting brilliance, Stevie Wonder’s harmonica talent and Grandmaster Melle Mel’s unforgettable contribution.
“For the Library of Congress to recognize this recording as part of America’s permanent sound heritage means it became more than just a successful song — it became a piece of history,” Khan said. “I’m incredibly thankful to have been part of that.”