National Recording Registry Adds Tracy Chapman, Hamilton, and Minecraft to Cultural Archive

The Library of Congress has added 25 new recordings to its National Recording Registry, showcasing America’s diverse soundscape. This year’s selections include the “Hamilton” original cast album, the atmospheric “Minecraft: Volume Alpha” soundtrack, Tracy Chapman’s 1988 self-titled debut, and Miles Davis’s influential “Bitches Brew.” These additions reflect a wide range of genres—from Japanese American plantation songs to Don Rickles’ stand-up album and the Microsoft Windows 95 reboot chime. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden described the registry as “our evolving nation’s playlist,” preserving soundtracks that shape collective memory. The oldest recording selected this year dates back to 1913, while the newest is from 2015. The registry now includes 675 recordings deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant,” affirming the lasting influence of both iconic and everyday sounds in American life.

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Source: NPR