The Library of Congress has announced the 2023 National Recording Registry, an annual list of audio recordings that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically important.” The Registry was established by the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000 which created the National Recording Preservation Board whose members are appointed by the Librarian of Congress. The Registry includes a wide variety of recordings that are deemed significant to the nation’s audio heritage.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said:

The National Recording Registry preserves our history through recorded sound and reflects our nation’s diverse culture. The national library is proud to help ensure these recordings are preserved for generations to come, and we welcome the public’s input on what songs, speeches, podcasts or recorded sounds we should preserve next.

The 2023 list includes “St. Louis Blues” by W.C. Handy’s Memphis Blues Band.

One of my all-time favorites, Koko Taylor’s “Wang Dang Doodle,” is on the list.

Fletcher Henderson’s “Sugar Foot Stomp” and Wynton Marsalis’ “Black Codes (From the Underground)” were added to the Registry.

The complete National Recording Registry Listing is available here.