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Posted by: Cary O’Dell
The very first recording of the human voice (added to the Library’s National Registry in 2010) may not be what you think it is. But here scholar David Giovannoni looks back at this momentous technological–and cultural–breakthrough. Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville invented sound recording when he conceived of a machine that would do for the ear …
Posted in: National Recording Registry, Recorded Sound
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
As the world mourns the passing of Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones, the Library of Congress, with the assistance of music historian Dan LeRoy, looks back at when “The World’s Greatest Rock Band” gave the world “Satisfaction.” (A recording added to the Library’s National Recording Registry in 2006.) Not long before his untimely death …
Posted in: National Recording Registry, Uncategorized
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
An Evening with Don Everly February 1, 1937 – August 21, 2021 It is truly the end of an era with the passing of the talented, charming and iconic Don Everly. The influence the Everly Brothers had on so many musicians and genres of music is immeasurable. Don and his brother, Phil, are …
Posted in: National Recording Registry, Recorded Sound, Uncategorized
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
This week brings great sadness to rock fans everywhere and especially to those of us who work with the National Recording Registry. On Saturday August 21, Don Everly passed away at the age of 84, and today Rolling Stones’ drummer Charlie Watts joined him. Both The Everly Brothers and Rolling Stones are honored in the …
Posted in: National Recording Registry, Recorded Sound
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
Today, on the anniversary of his untimely passing (in 1926), author Donna Hill looks back at the legend of Rudolph Valentino and one of his most iconic role, that is “The Son of the Sheik,” which was added to the Library’s National Film Registry in 2003. If Metro’s “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” made …
Posted in: Film Essay, National Film Registry
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
If you get the chance to speak with the legendary Al Bell, take it! You will meet a man full of passion for the artists he works with and the communities he supports. The former co-owner of Stax Records is one of the visionaries behind the “Wattstax” concert and film documentary. Bringing people together …
Posted in: Film Essay, National Film Registry
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
One of the cartoon world’s greatest and most timeless achievements, “Duck Amuck” (as well as “One Froggy Evening” and “What’s Opera, Doc?”) is recalled by Craig Kausen, grandson of the film’s animator Chuck Jones. “Duck” was added to the Library’s National Film Registry in 1999. When people ask what it was like growing up …
Posted in: Film Essay, National Film Registry
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
Are you in the mood for some jazz on a summer’s day? Added to the Library’s National Recording Registry in 2006, Jelly Roll Morton’s “Black Bottom Stomp” is recalled in this essay by Burton Peretti. Jelly Roll Morton Few recording projects have had as great an impact on the evolution of jazz as this set …
Posted in: National Recording Registry, Recorded Sound
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
Today is Steve Martin’s birthday! As we wish Steve a happy day, comedy historian Kilph Nesteroff recalls Martin’s breakthrough comedy album that was added to the Library’s National Recording Registry in 2004. It was only audio, but it conjured up images of a man in an all-white suit. It was just a record, something you …
Posted in: National Recording Registry, Recorded Sound