Washington, D.C. – ABBA, Biggie, Blondie, and Rudolph are among the newest additions to America’s National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. The selection for 2024 includes ABBA’s 1976 album “Arrival,” The Notorious B.I.G.’s 1994 album “Ready to Die,” Blondie’s 1978 breakthrough “Parallel Lines,” and Gene Autry’s 1949 rendition of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden unveiled the 25 new titles, emphasizing their cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. “These recordings are deemed worthy of preservation for all time in the nation’s recorded sound heritage,” she noted.
ABBA’s “Arrival,” known for hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Money, Money, Money,” marked the Swedish supergroup’s contribution to the disco era. Blondie’s “Parallel Lines,” featuring iconic track “Heart of Glass,” propelled the band to commercial success in 1978.
The inclusion of The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Ready to Die” showcases the late rapper’s impact on hip-hop, with standout tracks like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa.” Additionally, other influential entries this year include the debut album from the Cars and singles from Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick.
Puerto Rican singer Héctor Lavoe’s “El Cantante” and Mexican singer Juan Gabriel’s “Amor Eterno” add Latin flare to the registry, highlighting diverse musical contributions. Beyond music, Lily Tomlin’s comedy album “This Is a Recording” offers a unique addition to this year’s list.
The registry also pays homage to pioneers like Jefferson Airplane, Green Day, and the Chicks, recognizing their lasting impact on American music. Notably, the list features Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats’ “Rocket ’88’,” a seminal 1951 single often credited as one of the first rock ‘n’ roll songs.
Among the career-defining singles entering the registry are classics from Johnny Mathis, Bobby McFerrin, Patti Page, and Bill Withers. With 650 titles now preserved, the National Recording Registry continues to celebrate the diverse and influential sounds of the nation’s history and culture.