Beyoncé, Chaka Khan, Ray Charles Join Library of Congress Registry

The Library of Congress just dropped big news, adding Beyoncé's groundbreaking hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" to its prestigious National Recording Registry. This marks a significant milestone as it's the first time a recording by the global superstar has been selected for preservation, cementing its place in American sound history alongside 24 other culturally vital works.

Announced on May 14, 2026, the 2026 class of inductees brings together a diverse collection of "audio treasures" spanning seven decades, from 1944 to 2014. These selections are chosen for their profound cultural, historical, or aesthetic importance in shaping the American experience. Beyond Beyoncé, the list celebrates a rich tapestry of Black music and culture, featuring legendary artists like Chaka Khan, Ray Charles, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and pioneering figures in soul, jazz, and house music.

Among the nine compositions by Black artists inducted is Chaka Khan's two-time Grammy-winning cover of Prince's "I Feel For You" from 1984, a track that solidified her status as a "Goddess of Funk" and fused R&B, funk, pop, and early hip-hop. Gladys Knight and the Pips' timeless 1973 soul anthem "Midnight Train to Georgia" also made the cut, as did Ray Charles's revolutionary 1962 album, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, recognized for its landmark fusion of country, blues, and Americana.

The registry also honored recordings that literally changed the course of music. Ruth Brown's 1950 song "Teardrops From My Eyes" is included for its foundational role in establishing Atlantic Records. The Winstons' 1969 track "Amen, Brother" was recognized for its six-second drum solo, famously known as the "Amen break," which has become the most sampled audio clip in history. Jazz aficionados will celebrate the induction of composer and saxophonist Oliver Nelson’s 1961 album, The Blues and the Abstract Truth, a defining record of the post-bop era. Further cementing the roots of modern dance music, Chicago house music pioneer Jamie Principle’s 1986 record "Your Love," along with Frankie Knuckles’ influential 1987 rework, were inducted, with Principle's original demo from 1984 sometimes cited as the very first house track.

The annual selection process, guided by the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, aims to ensure these recordings are preserved for future generations. Robert R. Newlen, the acting Librarian of Congress, made the final selections after consulting with the Library's curators and the National Recording Preservation Board. Newlen, who has nearly five decades of service at the Library, emphasized the mission, stating, “Music and recorded sound are essential, wonderful parts of our daily lives and our national heritage. The National Recording Registry works to preserve our national playlist for generations to come.” He added, “The Library of Congress is proud to select these audio treasures and will work to preserve them with our partners in the recording industry.”

Public participation plays a crucial role in the nomination process, with individuals encouraged to submit up to 50 recordings annually. For the 2026 selections, the public submitted more than 3,000 nominations, with rock band Weezer's 1994 self-titled debut, Weezer (The Blue Album), receiving the most public support.

Congressman Joaquin Castro of San Antonio has been a vocal advocate for increasing the representation of Texas and Latino artists in the registry since 2022. His campaign championed Beyoncé's inclusion and has previously resulted in the induction of seven recordings, including works by Juan Gabriel and Daddy Yankee, highlighting that Texas music history spans beyond country to include punk, hip-hop, blues, Tejano, and experimental rock.

Beyond music, the 2026 registry class also includes other pivotal audio moments, such as the 1971 radio broadcast of "The Fight of the Century: Ali vs. Frazier." This legendary bout from Madison Square Garden, a global cultural marker, chronicled the historic clash between two undefeated fighters, marking Muhammad Ali's first professional defeat. Also inducted was the 1993 soundtrack for the video game Doom, marking the third time video game music has been recognized.

Robin Ahrold, Chair of the National Recording Preservation Board, underscored the wide-ranging appeal of the new class. Ahrold, who represents the Songwriters Hall of Fame and serves on boards for the Recording Academy, Television Academy, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, remarked that the 2026 class “beautifully captures the scope of the American experience as we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary.” She further noted, “From icons of R&B to a holiday favorite en Español, from a legendary sports broadcast to this generation's superstars, it is a thrilling reflection of America at its best.”

These 25 additions bring the total number of titles in the National Recording Registry to 700, a small but vital fraction of the national library's approximately 4 million recorded sound items. This ongoing effort ensures that the sounds defining America's past and present are safeguarded, allowing future generations to connect with the rich cultural tapestry that continues to evolve.