Pop Songs, ‘Hamilton,’ and Windows 95 Chime Inducted into National Registry

25 Audio Works Inducted into the National Recording Registry: A Celebration of Cultural Significance

In a remarkable announcement that highlights America’s rich musical and audio heritage, the Library of Congress has unveiled the latest additions to the National Recording Registry. This year’s selection comprises 25 distinctive audio works, each recognized for their cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance. Among these notable inductees are timeless hits from iconic artists like Celine Dion and Mary J. Blige, alongside the cherished classic “Happy Trails” by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Not to be overlooked is the iconic original cast album of the Broadway sensation "Hamilton" and the memorable chimes created by Brian Eno for Microsoft Windows in 1995.

The National Recording Registry, established to preserve audio works at least a decade old, serves as a vital repository of audio treasures reflective of America’s diverse sounds. This year, the public contributed over 2,600 nominations, showcasing the democratic process behind the selection. Topping this year’s list of nominees was "Chicago Transit Authority," the debut album from the legendary rock band Chicago, further celebrating the album’s enduring legacy.

The recently inducted works span a multitude of genres and eras, reinforcing the rich tapestry of America’s cultural landscape. Among the top ten nominated pieces were Elton John’s landmark album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," featuring classics like “Bennie and the Jets” and “Candle in the Wind,” alongside Mary J. Blige’s transformative R&B album "My Life." Each nominated work reflects the evolution of American music and the indelible impact these recordings have had on listeners and society alike.

Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, praised this year’s selections, emphasizing their embodiment of American sound. In her statement, Hayden expressed pride in these audio treasures, which range from iconic music to field recordings, sports broadcasts, and everyday technological sounds. She referred to the registry as “our evolving nation’s playlist,” a fitting description for such a varied collection that resonates across generations.

The oldest recording selected for 2025 dates back to 1913 and features a rendition of “Aloha ‘Oe” by the Hawaiian Quintette. In contrast, the newest inductee is the original cast album of "Hamilton," premiered in 2015. This groundbreaking musical, penned by Lin-Manuel Miranda, explores the complexities surrounding America’s founding and its enduring themes of democracy and representation. Miranda highlighted the registry’s significance as “an artistic version of a nation’s conversation with itself,” a testament to its cultural relevance.

However, the inclusion of the "Hamilton" cast album comes during a tumultuous period for the production. Recently, Miranda and the show’s producers made headlines for canceling a scheduled tour at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., in protest against perceived politicization of the institution under the Trump administration. This decision prompted criticism from President Trump, who expressed his discontent with the musical, stating, “I never liked ‘Hamilton’ very much.”

Among the selection’s more surprising inductees is the reboot chime from Microsoft Windows 95, created by ambient musician Brian Eno. Eno’s contribution symbolizes a pivotal moment in technology, marking the rise of personal computing. The chime, a product of creativity and innovation, was one of 84 sounds Eno crafted for Microsoft, intended to enhance the user experience as home computers became increasingly prevalent.

This year’s selections reflect a dynamic array of audio works, categorized chronologically to celebrate their individual histories and contributions. The list includes well-known tracks such as “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion and tracks from influential albums like “Tracy Chapman” and Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black.” The inclusion of various audio formats – from singles to albums and field recordings – illustrates the rich diversity within the catalog of American sound.

As this year’s inductees bring the total number of titles in the National Recording Registry to 675, this process not only preserves these works but also fosters an appreciation for the myriad ways audio shapes our lives. The selected titles invite listeners to reflect on the stories and experiences that have defined America over the decades.

In effect, the National Recording Registry encapsulates both the heritage and the ongoing evolution of American audio, celebrating the voices and sounds that have accompanied us through history. As the nation continues to adapt and change, these works remain a steadfast reminder of shared cultural experiences and artistic expression valuable for future generations to explore and appreciate.