Weezer, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé to have recordings preserved in Library of Congress

Today, the Library of Congress announced its annual selection of 25 sound recordings the National Recording Registry will preserve, including Spike Jones, Ray Charles, Paul Anka, Chaka Khan, the Go-Go’s, Rosanne Cash, Weezer, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift. Every year since 2002, the Library of Congress has chosen 25 exemplary records to be archived at the NRR. The only criteria for recordings is that they are at least ten years old, that a copy of the recording still exists, and that they “are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States.”

This year, that designation goes to Weezer’s 1994 self-titled debut (referred to by fans as the “Blue Album”), Taylor Swift’s 2014 pop project 1989; and Beyonce’s seminal 2008 recording “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It.)” Also on the list are: the original Broadway cast recording of Chicago, the Go-Go’s’ Beauty And The Beat, and The Byrds’ “Turn! Turn! Turn!”

“The sweep and diversity of the National Recording Registry class of 2026 beautifully captures the scope of the American experience as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said NRR Board chair Robbin Ahrold in a statement. “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.”

The full list of inductees can be found here.

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