Iconic songs added to National Recording Registry

Credit: Theo Wargo

Credit: Theo Wargo

More than two dozen songs that shaped our memories have been added to the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress.

Judy Garland's "Over the Rainbow" will now be preserved for history.

The hit song from “The Wizard of Oz” will be joined by the original cast recording of “The Wiz,” N.W.A’s “Straight Outta Compton,” and The Eagles’ “Their Greatest Hits.”

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said, “This year’s exciting list gives us a full range of sound experiences. These sounds of the past enrich our understanding of the nation’s cultural history and our history in general.”

Barbra Streisand’s first hit single “People” was also included in this year’s addition.

Don McLean’s 1971 anthem “American Pie” was also added.

The new additions bring the total number of recordings on the registry to 475, but the Library of Congress has about 3 million recordings in its collection.

To be considered, a song has to be “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and at least 10 years old.

Click here to see the complete list of 25 songs added to the the National Registry.

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