The Sounds Of America: Class Of 2024
Digest
The Library of Congress's National Recording Registry, a collection of audio treasures showcasing American heritage, added 25 new pieces in 2024. The registry, which Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress, described as an "audio hall of fame," includes a diverse range of recordings, from historic events like 9/11 and Henry Aaron's home run achievement to iconic songs and even video game theme tunes. One of the new additions is Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," a song that reflects Withers' personal story and the influence of Clarence Avant, the "Godfather of Black Music." Another notable addition is Blondie's "Parallel Lines," a groundbreaking album that blended punk rock, new wave, and Euro disco, defying musical boundaries. The registry also includes Jefferson Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow," a psychedelic rock album that captured the spirit of San Francisco's music scene in the 1960s. Finally, the registry features Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy," a joyful and infectious a cappella song that became a global phenomenon. The selection process for the registry involves recommendations from a national recording advisory board, public nominations, and ultimately, the Librarian of Congress's final decision. The registry serves as a testament to the power of recorded sound to preserve history, evoke memories, and shape cultural identity.
Outlines
The Library of Congress's National Recording Registry
This Chapter introduces the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry, a collection of audio treasures showcasing American heritage. The registry adds 25 new pieces each year, reflecting the rich diversity of American recorded sound.
Carla Hayden on the 2024 Registry Selections
This Chapter features an interview with Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress, discussing the 2024 additions to the National Recording Registry. Hayden highlights the diverse range of selections, including iconic songs, historic events, and even video game theme tunes.
Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine"
This Chapter explores the story behind Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," a song that became a classic despite Withers' late start in the music industry. The chapter includes excerpts from an interview with Withers and his producer, Booker T. Jones, who share insights into the song's creation and its enduring impact.
Blondie's "Parallel Lines"
This Chapter delves into the creation of Blondie's "Parallel Lines," a groundbreaking album that blended punk rock, new wave, and Euro disco. The chapter features interviews with Blondie members Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, Clem Burke, and Jimmy Destri, as well as producer Mike Chapman, who discuss the album's unique sound and its lasting influence.
Lily Tomlin's "This Is a Recording"
This Chapter focuses on Lily Tomlin's "This Is a Recording," a comedy album featuring her iconic character Ernestine, a tough and unforgiving telephone operator. The chapter includes interviews with Tomlin, as well as actors, writers, and comedy experts who discuss the character's enduring appeal and her social commentary.
Jefferson Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow"
This Chapter explores the story behind Jefferson Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow," a psychedelic rock album that helped expose the rest of the nation to San Francisco's music scene in the 1960s. The chapter features interviews with original members of the band, as well as music writers and historians who discuss the album's unique sound and its cultural significance.
Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy"
This Chapter tells the story of Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy," a joyful and infectious a cappella song that became a global phenomenon. The chapter features interviews with McFerrin, his manager and producer Linda Goldstein, and other musicians and artists who discuss the song's creation, its impact on the music industry, and its enduring appeal.
Keywords
National Recording Registry
The National Recording Registry is a collection of audio recordings that are deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant to the United States. It is maintained by the Library of Congress and was established in 2002. The registry includes a wide range of recordings, from iconic songs and speeches to sound effects and radio broadcasts. Each year, the Library of Congress adds 25 new recordings to the registry, based on recommendations from a national recording advisory board and public nominations.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States. It is the largest library in the world, with a collection of over 170 million items, including books, manuscripts, photographs, films, and sound recordings. The Library of Congress is responsible for preserving and providing access to the nation's cultural heritage. It also plays a role in promoting literacy and education.
Carla Hayden
Carla Hayden is the 14th Librarian of Congress. She was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016 and is the first African American to hold the position. Hayden is a librarian and educator with a long career in public service. She is known for her commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as her advocacy for access to information and knowledge.
Bill Withers
Bill Withers was an American singer-songwriter who achieved mainstream success in the 1970s. He is known for his soulful voice and his introspective lyrics. Withers' most famous songs include "Ain't No Sunshine," "Use Me," and "Lean on Me." He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
Blondie
Blondie is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1974. The band is known for its eclectic sound, which blended elements of punk rock, new wave, disco, and reggae. Blondie's lead singer, Debbie Harry, became a pop culture icon in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The band's most famous songs include "Heart of Glass," "Call Me," and "Rapture."
Jefferson Airplane
Jefferson Airplane was an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1965. The band was a leading figure in the psychedelic rock movement of the 1960s. Jefferson Airplane's most famous songs include "White Rabbit," "Somebody to Love," and "Surrealistic Pillow." The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
Bobby McFerrin
Bobby McFerrin is an American singer, songwriter, and conductor. He is known for his innovative vocal techniques and his ability to create complex harmonies and rhythms using only his voice. McFerrin's most famous song is "Don't Worry, Be Happy," which became a global hit in 1988. He has won 10 Grammy Awards, more than any other jazz artist.
Ain't No Sunshine
Ain't No Sunshine is a song written and performed by Bill Withers. It was released in 1971 as the B-side to his debut single, "Harlem." The song became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It is considered one of the greatest songs of all time and has been covered by numerous artists, including Michael Bublé, Ray Charles, and Nina Simone.
Parallel Lines
Parallel Lines is the third studio album by Blondie. It was released in 1978 and became a major commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album features several hit singles, including "Heart of Glass," "One Way or Another," and "Sunday Girl." It is considered one of the most influential albums of the new wave era.
Surrealistic Pillow
Surrealistic Pillow is the second studio album by Jefferson Airplane. It was released in 1967 and became a major commercial success, reaching number three on the Billboard 200 chart. The album features several hit singles, including "Somebody to Love," "White Rabbit," and "Today." It is considered one of the most important albums of the psychedelic rock era.
Don't Worry, Be Happy
Don't Worry, Be Happy is a song written and performed by Bobby McFerrin. It was released in 1988 as part of his album "Simple Pleasures." The song became a global hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It is considered one of the most popular a cappella songs of all time and has been covered by numerous artists, including Michael Bublé, Ray Charles, and Nina Simone.
Q&A
What is the National Recording Registry, and what makes it significant?
The National Recording Registry is a collection of audio recordings that are deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant to the United States. It is maintained by the Library of Congress and was established in 2002. The registry includes a wide range of recordings, from iconic songs and speeches to sound effects and radio broadcasts. Each year, the Library of Congress adds 25 new recordings to the registry, based on recommendations from a national recording advisory board and public nominations. The registry serves as a testament to the power of recorded sound to preserve history, evoke memories, and shape cultural identity.
What are some of the notable additions to the National Recording Registry in 2024?
The 2024 additions to the National Recording Registry include a diverse range of recordings, from iconic songs like Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" and Blondie's "Parallel Lines" to historic events like 9/11 and Henry Aaron's home run achievement. The registry also features Jefferson Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow," a psychedelic rock album that captured the spirit of San Francisco's music scene in the 1960s, and Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy," a joyful and infectious a cappella song that became a global phenomenon.
How does the selection process for the National Recording Registry work?
The selection process for the National Recording Registry involves recommendations from a national recording advisory board, public nominations, and ultimately, the Librarian of Congress's final decision. The board is made up of experts in music, history, and culture. The public can submit nominations for recordings that they believe are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. The Librarian of Congress then reviews the recommendations and nominations and selects 25 recordings to be added to the registry each year.
What is the significance of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" being added to the National Recording Registry?
Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" is a classic song that reflects Withers' personal story and the influence of Clarence Avant, the "Godfather of Black Music." The song's enduring impact is evident in its numerous covers by other artists and its inclusion in the National Recording Registry.
What makes Blondie's "Parallel Lines" a groundbreaking album?
Blondie's "Parallel Lines" is a groundbreaking album that blended punk rock, new wave, and Euro disco, defying musical boundaries. The album's unique sound and its lasting influence are evident in its commercial success and its inclusion in the National Recording Registry.
What is the cultural significance of Jefferson Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow"?
Jefferson Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow" is a psychedelic rock album that helped expose the rest of the nation to San Francisco's music scene in the 1960s. The album's unique sound and its cultural significance are evident in its commercial success and its inclusion in the National Recording Registry.
What makes Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" such a special song?
Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" is a joyful and infectious a cappella song that became a global phenomenon. The song's creation, its impact on the music industry, and its enduring appeal are evident in its commercial success and its inclusion in the National Recording Registry.
What is the role of the Library of Congress in preserving American cultural heritage?
The Library of Congress plays a vital role in preserving American cultural heritage. It is the largest library in the world, with a collection of over 170 million items, including books, manuscripts, photographs, films, and sound recordings. The Library of Congress is responsible for preserving and providing access to the nation's cultural heritage. It also plays a role in promoting literacy and education.
How does the National Recording Registry help us understand the American experience?
The National Recording Registry helps us understand the American experience by preserving and showcasing the rich diversity of American recorded sound. The registry includes recordings that reflect the nation's history, culture, and values. It also provides a window into the evolution of American music and the role that recorded sound has played in shaping the nation's identity.
What is the importance of preserving audio recordings for future generations?
Preserving audio recordings is important for future generations because it allows them to connect with the past and understand the history and culture of their ancestors. Audio recordings can provide insights into the lives of people who lived in different times and places, as well as the social, political, and economic conditions of those times. They can also help us to understand the evolution of language, music, and other forms of cultural expression.
Show Notes
Each year, the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress chooses just 25 pieces of audio to showcase the rich heritage of America's recorded sound.
Every year, in partnership with the Library of Congress, 1A profiles some of the newest inductees into the National Recording Registry. Think of it as the country's audio "hall of fame."
We profile some of this year's entries from notable artists, including Bill Withers, Blondie, Jefferson Airplane, Lily Tomlin, and Bobby McFerrin.
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