Music by Gloria Gaynor, Metallica and Billy Joel to be preserved

Gloria Gaynor
Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor in 1976. Pic: Rob Mieremet/Anefo (Creative Commons)

‘Mack The Knife’, ‘Piano Man’, ‘I Will Survive’ and Metallica’s album ‘Master Of Puppets’ among US National Recording Registry selection

America’s Library of Congress National Recording Registry has selected 25 new records that have been recognised for their cultural, artistic or historical significance, including Metallica’s album Master Of Puppets, Billy Joel’s single Piano Man, The Supremes’ Where Did Our Love Go and Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive.

“’I Will Survive’ is my mantra, the core of my God-given purpose,” commented Gloria Gaynor on hearing the news. “It is my privilege and honour to use it to inspire people around the world of every nationality, race, creed, colour and age group to join me as I sing and live the words: ‘I Will Survive.’”

Among the selections are the rock group Santana’s 1970 album Abraxas, Julie London’s 1955 recording of Cry Me A River, John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme, Merle Haggard’s song Mama Tried, Clifton Chenier’s 1976 zydeco album Bogalusa Boogie, Buffy Sainte-Marie’s 1964 album It’s My Way and George Carlin’s 1972 comedy album Class Clown. The Library of Congress also chose two recordings of Kurt Weill’s Mack The Knife, recorded by Louis Armstrong and Bobby Darin.

“These recordings, by a wide range of artists in many genres of music and in spoken word, will be preserved for future listeners,” explains Acting Librarian of Congress, David S. Mao. “This collection of blues, jazz, rock, country and classical recordings, interspersed with important recordings of sporting events, speeches, radio shows and comedy, helps safeguard the record of what we’ve done and who we are.”

The Librarian, with advice from the Library’s National Recording Preservation Board (NRPB), annually selects 25 recordings that are at least 10 years old. These latest registry selections span the years 1911-86, with Metallica’s 1986 record becoming the first heavy metal album to be added. Nominations were gathered through online submissions from the public and from the NRPB, which is comprised of leaders in the fields of music, recorded sound and preservation. The Library is currently accepting nominations for the next registry at the NRPB website: loc.gov/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/about-this-program/




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