25 Recordings Added to Nat'l Registry

[rick]

From Rolling Stone --

25 More Sound Recordings Added to Library of Congress Registry

[erik]

Before anything else gets said, I would like to ask everyone here:

Who is going to argue with Judy's version of "Amazing Grace" being included among this select group? Setting aside the fact that it was a big "hit" (#15 in February 1971), this great recording of one of the most well-known spiritual works of all time was in the right place at the right time; and if ever there was someone to go ahead and record it (not counting Linda, of course), it should have been one of those artists that Linda has always admired (IMHO).

[the Scribe]

Can't argue with any of them. I even named one of my rescue cats Big Mama for Big Mama Thornton may they both rest in peace. I would however like to know what took them so long adding the most popular song of last century to that registry? Makes me wonder what they were thinking.

[rick]

Ronstadtfan, of course, I don't know what goes into their thinking. If one probably looked at the list -- now numbering 475 in all -- some of them might have historical significance -- speeches, etc. I, too, was surprised that "Over the Rainbow" was not yet on the list, but better than not at all, right?


Here is a bit from "Time" magazine --

Time magazine on 25 latest recordings inducted


< snip >



“It is so humbling and gratifying to learn that my recording of the song 'People' by composer Jule Styne and lyricist Bob Merrill will be installed in the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress,” said Streisand in a statement. “I believe "People" touched our common desire to relate to others with love and caring, and I’ve always tried to express this in my renditions of this magical song.”


It makes sense that they would go for the song most-associated with a particular artist instead of a deep album cut. "Over the Rainbow" instead of Judy Garland's version of "But Not for Me." Streisand's "People" over "Everything Must Change," etc. They are going to tend to be more universally known tracks, I think. But it is nice when a piece is named that is not that well-known and it causes people to take a first listen or a more discerning listen to something they might have glossed over.

[the Scribe]

I was also shocked People wasn't on the list before. Surely Barbra has an album or other recordings there also?

It is good to see single songs because it opens it up to so much more music that is timeless.

[rick]

Hi, Ronstadtfan -

Here is the list so far of the 475 recordings --


Wikipedia -- National Registry of Recordings



Linda's "Heart Like a Wheel" is on there. So is Dolly Parton with "Coat of Many Colors." And Joni Mitchell with "For the Roses." and Paul Simon for "Graceland." In the look I took, I didn't see any other Streisand recording on there. To my knowledge, this is the first time a recording of hers has been added to the list.