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Posted by: Cary O’Dell
Like the rest of the world, the Library of Congress is saddened to hear of the passing of the great Vin Scully. Mr. Scully passed away on August 2nd, at the age of 95. Not surprisingly, Mr. Scully is represented on the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. His broadcast of the September 8, 1957 …
Posted in: National Recording Registry, Sports
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
The Library of Congress is saddened to hear of the passing of actor, composer, director and playwright James Rado. Rado was one of the fertile minds behind the landmark 1960’s “hippie” musical “Hair.” The original cast show album “Hair” was added to the Library’s National Recording Registry in 2018. At the time of its induction, …
Posted in: National Recording Registry
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
Yes, May the Force (and the Fourth) be with you! A long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away, the great John Williams (who turned 90 years young earlier this year) was asked to compose the music for a little science fiction film named “Star Wars.” Williams did not disappoint. His original soundtrack …
Posted in: National Recording Registry
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
It was 64 years go this month that the US, in its then simmering Cold War with the Soviet Union, achieved one of its most startlingly and surprising victories. All it involved was a yearly, Russian-sponsored music contest and an unassuming young piano virtuoso from Texas named Van Cliburn and his skilled beyond-his-years interpretation of …
Posted in: National Recording Registry
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
Today is the day! The Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry announced its 25 newest titles earlier this morning! Joining the ranks of this esteemed list are, among others, Bonnie Raitt, Journey, Queen, Ernest Tubb, Ricky Martin, and A Tribe Called Quest! For a full list and interviews and clips, click here.
Posted in: National Recording Registry
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
You may not know the name Irna Phillips (1901-1973), but you know her work and influence. She pioneered the soap opera genre in radio and is widely regarded as a key creative figure in radio and television serialized entertainment. Phillips was the creator (and, for years, the primary scriptwriter) of “As the World Turns,” “Guiding …
Posted in: Daytime Serials, National Recording Registry, Radio, Television
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
Sixty-three years ago this month was the day the music died. On February 3, 1959, a small airplane carrying rock stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper (i.e. J.P. Richardson, Jr.), along with its pilot, crashed in a cornfield near Clear Lake, Iowa, killing all three. The tragedy, which, of course, inspired Don …
Posted in: National Recording Registry
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
Ninety-five years ago today–February 4, 1927–Frankie Trumbauer and his Orchestra with Bix Beiderbecke headed into the studio to lay down their classic “Singin’ the Blues.” “Blues” was added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2005. In the essay below, the Library’s own David Sager recounts the making of a legendary recording. “Singin’ …
Posted in: National Recording Registry, Recorded Sound
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
Like much of the world, the Library of Congress is very saddened to hear of the passing of the great Stephen Sondheim. Mr. Sondheim passed away on Friday at age 91. While already missing him, we take comfort in all that he left behind for us. Not surprisingly, Mr. Sondheim is well represented on the …
Posted in: Musical Theater, National Recording Registry