National Recording Registry Inaugural Selections - January 27, 2003

On January 27, 2003, the Library of Congress announced the first selections for the National Recording Registry. This initiative was established to recognize and preserve sound recordings that hold cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance to the American soundscape. The creation of the Registry was part of the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, which aimed to maintain and protect the nation’s audio heritage.

Context and Background

The National Recording Preservation Act of 2000 was a legislative response to the growing concern over the preservation of audio recordings, which are susceptible to deterioration and loss. The Act led to the establishment of the National Recording Registry, the National Recording Preservation Board, and the National Recording Preservation Foundation. These entities work together to ensure the longevity and accessibility of important sound recordings.

The Inaugural List

The first list of recordings selected for the Registry in 2003 included 50 entries, spanning a wide range of genres and formats. These selections were chosen based on their enduring importance to American culture and history. The list included:

• Thomas Edison’s 1878 Tinfoil Recording: One of the earliest known recordings, capturing the inventor’s voice.
• Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” (1899): A seminal piece in the ragtime genre, influencing the development of jazz.
• Marian Anderson’s 1939 Lincoln Memorial Concert: A historic performance symbolizing the fight against racial discrimination.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats: Radio broadcasts that connected the President with the American public during the Great Depression and World War II.
• Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” (1939): A powerful protest song against racial violence.
• Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech (1963): A defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
• The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967): An album that revolutionized popular music.

Significance and Impact

The National Recording Registry serves as a vital tool for preserving the diverse audio history of the United States. By recognizing recordings that have shaped the cultural and historical landscape, the Registry highlights the importance of sound as a medium of expression and communication. The selections are intended to reflect the richness and diversity of American audio heritage, ensuring that future generations can access and learn from these pivotal recordings.

The announcement of the first selections in 2003 set a precedent for the annual addition of recordings to the Registry. Each year, the Library of Congress continues to expand the list, drawing attention to the importance of preserving sound recordings as part of the nation’s cultural legacy.