Top of page

Category: Recorded Sound

A view looking past a digital display screen towards the doors of an indoor theater, with

Good Times Are Here!: New to the National Jukebox

Posted by: Cary O’Dell

The following is a guest post by David Gibson and David Sager of the Recorded Sound Division of the Library of Congress. Since its initial launch in 2011, the National Jukebox has provided researchers the ability to stream thousands of acoustic sound recordings from the very earliest days of the commercial record industry. As the …

A view looking past a digital display screen towards the doors of an indoor theater, with

When Shawn Found Joni

Posted by: Cary O’Dell

Since the start of her own illustrious career as a singer and songwriter, Grammy-winner Shawn Colvin has noted the important role that Joni Mitchell has played in inspiring and influencing her. Back in 2007, the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry welcomed Mitchell’s 1972 album “For the Roses” to its esteemed ranks.  Knowing of Ms. …

A view looking past a digital display screen towards the doors of an indoor theater, with

From the National Recording Registry: “Singin’ the Blues” (1927)

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’ …

A view looking past a digital display screen towards the doors of an indoor theater, with

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Let’s visit “Alice’s Restaurant” (1967)

Posted by: Cary O’Dell

For many, it has become as much of a Thanksgiving tradition as turkey and dressing.  Arlo Guthrie’s immortal recording “Alice’s Restaurant Massacre” was added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2017.  Not long after, music journalist Hank Reineke kindly wrote about it for the Library.  In honor of this holiday, we share …

A view looking past a digital display screen towards the doors of an indoor theater, with

From the Recording Registry: “Born to Run” (1975)

Posted by: Cary O’Dell

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BOSS!  In honor of Bruce Springsteen’s birthday today, author Tyler Hayes pays tribute to Springsteen’s legendary album “Born to Run,” added to the National Registry in 2003.  Two albums into his career, Bruce Springsteen’s music trajectory was not set to contain notoriety. He was on a path that would soon see …

A view looking past a digital display screen towards the doors of an indoor theater, with

Remembering Sarah Dash: Labelle and Beyond

Posted by: Cary O’Dell

The Library of Congress is very saddened to hear of the passing of Sarah Dash, powerhouse vocalist, true diva and onetime member of the group Labelle.  Earlier this year, after Labelle’s legendary “Lady Marmalade” was added to the Library’s National Recording Registry, the LC spoke with Ms. Dash about her remarkable hit and career.  Our …